Significant salary increase and improved conditions: good news for employees in Israel

Employees of Hot Mobile and Ta'abura Yamit Ashdod will enjoy improved employment conditions after two new collective agreements were signed today (Monday) between the Histadrut, company management, and employee representatives.

At Hot Mobile, a new collective agreement was signed for the years 2027–2028, which will apply to approximately 260 company employees. The agreement was signed against the backdrop of the sale of Hot Mobile to the Delek Group, Leumi Partners, and Keystone, and includes a series of improvements in salary and welfare conditions.

Signing of the agreement at Hot Mobile (Photo: PR)

As part of the agreement, all previous collective agreements will be extended, alongside annual salary increases at an average rate of 3%. In addition, subject to the completion of the company's sale transaction and the transfer of ownership, eligible employees will receive a special bonus based on their seniority.

Employee welfare conditions are also expected to improve. The agreement includes an increase in eligibility for convalescence days as well as an increase in the value of a convalescence day, an increase in the welfare budget, an increase in the annual seniority bonus, and an increase in the company's participation in dental insurance for employees. Furthermore, the agreement includes the regulation of absorbing contract workers.

Chairman of the Cellular, Internet, and High-Tech Workers' Union at the Histadrut, Yaki Khalutzi, said: "Against the backdrop of the sale of Hot Mobile, we are happy to sign a collective agreement that guarantees the company's employees certainty, job security, and worthy compensation for the company's success during a period of ownership changes."

Hot Mobile CEO Ilan Brok stated that "the agreement signed today expresses our appreciation for Hot Mobile employees and our commitment to continue working for their well-being."

At Ta'abura Yamit Ashdod, a new collective agreement was also signed, under which employees will enjoy significant salary increases and the regulation of work methods against the backdrop of the company's preparations for receiving new giant ships and expanding its operations.

The agreement is intended to regulate work methods at the company in anticipation of changes in the shipping industry and the reception of larger ships. As part of the move, the professional and operational adjustments required for the new activity were also regulated, while maintaining employee rights.

Deputy Chairman of the Transportation and Seaports Workers' Union at the Histadrut, Adv. Nir Eisenberg, said: "This is an agreement of great importance, beyond the labor relations in the company. The world of shipping is changing, ships are getting bigger, and the State of Israel must be prepared for this."

According to him, "this agreement allows Ta'abura Yamit Ashdod to adapt itself to the new reality, receive giant ships, and continue to develop, all while maintaining employee rights."

Chairman of the Pilots' Committee, Captain Dima Agrant, noted that the introduction of giant ships requires professional and operational adjustments. According to him, it was important to ensure that the changes would be made in a responsible, safe, and professional manner, while maintaining the status and working conditions of the pilots.

Ta'abura Yamit Ashdod CEO Avihai Hatuka stated that the agreement "constitutes a significant milestone for Ta'abura Yamit Ashdod" and that it allows the company to prepare for the challenges and opportunities brought by the era of giant ships.

The two collective agreements include, each in its field, an improvement in employee conditions and the regulation of working conditions against the backdrop of changes in company operations.