Candidates and the Bar-David factor: The race for the head of the Histadrut has begun
Although about 9 months remain until the elections, the struggle for the leadership of the labor organization has already begun. Against the backdrop of assessments regarding the contenders, the police investigation into the incumbent chairman and potential developments in the national political arena are also at play.
The elections for the head of the Histadrut will be held this coming June, and behind the scenes, candidates for the most powerful position in the economy are beginning their work. One of the key names marked as preparing for the race is Yehiel Shman, chairman of the Pelephone workers' committee and a member of the Histadrut leadership. Although he has not yet made an official announcement, sources in the labor relations system note that the decision has already been made, and support from heads of workers' committees across various workplaces is coalescing behind him.
Shman possesses extensive experience in organized labor, notably as one of the leaders behind the establishment of the Alpha workers' committee in 2021, which united the Pelephone and Bezeq International committees to represent about 3,000 employees. Furthermore, he was involved in the legal proceedings that led to the "Pelephone ruling" concerning the right to initial organization, and recently signed a new collective agreement at Pelephone that includes salary increases and options for early retirement. According to sources familiar with the details, the scope of support forming around him turns the possibility of his candidacy from a theoretical scenario into a real move.
At the same time, assessments in the economy are growing that Yair Katz, chairman of the Israel Aerospace Industries workers' committee, is also preparing to run for the position. Katz has stated in the past that the position interests him but qualified it by saying he is not actively dealing with it. However, this week it was published in "Globes" that sources in the economy and government estimate that he is warming up his engines ahead of the elections.
A signal for this was given recently when Katz stood by the side of Pinhas Idan, chairman of the Israel Airports Authority workers' committee, in the midst of public criticism over delays at Ben Gurion Airport. In an interview with 103FM radio, Katz gave backing to the workers' struggle and placed the responsibility for the congestion on the Authority's management and on the Minister of Transport Miri Regev. Some see this move as an attempt to establish a camp of support ahead of the upcoming elections.
Beyond the emerging list of names, the results of the race are directly influenced by two key variables:
-
The decision of the incumbent chairman, Arnon Bar-David, regarding another run following the opening of the investigation against him in the "Hand washes hand" affair. Bar-David has announced in the past that if an indictment is filed against him, he will resign. If he chooses not to run and expresses support for another candidate, this may give that candidate a significant advantage.
-
The national political arena. In the event that elections for the Knesset are held before the elections for the Histadrut, the position may become a target for senior political figures who will seek a position of influence in the event of a loss in the general elections.
