Mekorot and Histadrut Sign Five-Year Collective Agreement with 20% Wage Hike
Mekorot management, the Histadrut, and the workers' committee signed a five-year collective agreement providing over 20% wage hikes, bonuses, and career tracks.
The Histadrut, the Mofit Histadrut, the management of Mekorot, and the Mekorot workers' committee signed a five-year collective agreement on Monday. The agreement introduces significant improvements to wages and employment conditions, alongside new professional advancement tracks designed to strengthen employees' status and support their long-term career growth within the national water company.
The agreement includes cumulative wage increases of more than 20% over its duration, a cumulative signing bonus of 11,000 NIS per employee, an increase in pensionable salary, and an excellence bonus equivalent to a monthly salary. Furthermore, the agreement outlines targeted wage increases for Mekorot's field workers, who operate at the forefront of the company's activities and are responsible for the ongoing maintenance and operation of water facilities and infrastructure nationwide.
A central milestone in the agreement is the establishment—for the first time in Mekorot's history—of a professional advancement track across all levels and core roles. This mechanism allows employees to advance throughout their professional careers while recognizing their accumulated experience and expertise. Additionally, the agreement transitions the company to a new salary range model, raising minimum wage levels and expanding salary progression opportunities even for employees who have reached the top of their pay scale.
Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen praised the new agreement, stating, "Mekorot, the national water company, has proven its resilience in routine and emergency scenarios, particularly recently following the algae bloom in the sea and the shutdown of desalination plants. The agreement with the company's employees is a vital pillar in preserving and solidifying the company's status as Israel's national water company."
Histadrut Chairman Arnon Bar-David added, "I am proud of this important agreement, which adds a significant layer to Mekorot's evolution from a low-tech company into a high-tech corporation. Mekorot today is an innovative, technological, and developing company that has become a leader in its field. This agreement is the result of continuous investment in human capital, sound labor relations, and a shared commitment to the company's continued growth."
Mekorot Chairman Moshe Shemoni noted, "Since taking office, I have set the completion of this collective agreement as one of my primary missions. The work on this agreement has spanned nearly two years, and I am glad we reached a signing. The agreement will allow Mekorot to continue developing and meeting national challenges while safeguarding our most important asset: human capital."