2,000 Shekel Bonus and 17% Salary Hike: New Agreement for Zoo Employees
A new collective agreement has been signed for approximately 300 employees of the Biblical Zoo and the Israel Aquarium in Jerusalem, featuring a 17% average salary increase, a signing bonus of up to 2,000 shekels, and enhanced social benefits.
A new collective agreement was signed today for employees of the Biblical Zoo and the Israel Aquarium in Jerusalem. The three-year agreement, covering about 300 staff members, includes a gradual salary increase, a signing bonus, improved social conditions, and the inclusion of security guards under the contract.
Under the agreement, employees will receive an average salary increase of approximately 17% over the three-year period. Full-time employees will receive a signing bonus of 2,000 shekels, with part-time staff receiving a pro-rated amount based on their position scope.
Additional benefits include earlier eligibility for a training fund (karen hishtalmut), improved conditions for security guards, a two-grade jump within the employee retention mechanism, and an increased education allowance.
Furthermore, employees with 25 years of seniority will be entitled to a 13th-month salary, and compensation for shift cancellations has been expanded. The agreement also provides allowances for closing supervisors and first-aid duty officers, options for early retirement, a one-hour daily reduction for mothers during their first year, extended nursing breaks, and shortened workdays during fast days for all sectors.
Negotiations on behalf of the Histadrut were led by Jerusalem District Chairman Dani Bonfil and union secretary Adv. Moria Sagan.
"Today we ensured that our dedicated employees receive the compensation and job security they deserve. This agreement is a testament to the power of determination and partnership," stated Bonfil.
Biblical Zoo CEO Dr. Sigalit Hertz added:
"We are proud of this agreement, which constitutes a comprehensive salary reform. Our elite team is the diamond that drives the zoo and aquarium every day, and we will continue to work together for nature conservation and our community."
Chair of the employee committee, Iris Ofir, paid tribute to the late committee member Uriel Nuri: "We went through a difficult period losing Uriel, a dear friend. The negotiations were challenging, but we achieved significant gains for the staff. I thank Dani Bonfil and Moria Sagan for their guidance; without them, this would not have been possible."
