The Histadrut is set Thursday to sign a groundbreaking work agreement that will provide union representation for construction workers. The agreement, between the Histadrut and organizations representing builders and contractors, will provide set salary requirements for workers and managers in the construction business, as well as pensions and educational funds (keren hishtalmut), compensation for days that work is cancelled because of bad weather, vacation and sick days, and an appeals process for workers who feel they have been unfairly fired.
Starting salaries for construction workers will begin at NIS 4,350 a month, and climb to NIS 6,200 after several years of experience. Managers will be able to earn between NIS 6,550 and NIS 8,200. Salaries will increase by 6% over the next two years, by which time workers will be earning 19% more than the minimum wage. The work week is set at 42 hours, beyond which employers will have to pay overtime. The agreements will cover all workers – native Israelis, foreign workers, and Palestinian Authority workers with permits.