War And The Workplace In Israel

• Published date: 27 March 2024
• Law Firm: Ius Laboris
• Author: Ms Orly Gerbi (Herzog Fox & Neeman)

As combat operations continue in Gaza, there have been several developments affecting the workplace, employee rights, and employer obligations in Israel.

In light of the broad callup of reserve units during the war and the effect this can have on household management, a collective agreement was signed in February 2024 between the Presidency of the Business Organisations and the Histadrut trade union. The agreement is effective from thestart of the war (7 October 2023) through 31 December 2024.

This agreement was extended through an order of the Minister of Labour on 5 March 2024, such that it applies to all employers and employees in the general economy (apart from public sector employers and employees, who are covered by a separate collective agreement on the same matter). The Extension Order includes a series of significant points.

Limitation on Dismissal of Employees who Performed Reserve Service

Under the Order, an employee who performed reserve service for sixty or more days while the Order was in effect is protected from dismissal for a period of sixty days after his or her reserve duty ends (as opposed to the thirty days otherwise required by law). An employer who wishes to dismiss such an employee before the sixty-day protected period has elapsed must receive a permit to do so.

Additional Days of Absence for Spouses of Reservists

Under the Extension Order, spouses of reservists are entitled to paid days of absence over...