Collective agreement will allow for the reception of giant ships in Ashdod; in Haifa, the conflict continues

The Histadrut, the management of Ashdod Marine Traffic, and the workers' representatives have signed a new collective agreement. Under the agreement, employees will receive salary increases, and the work process will be regulated in a way that allows staff to accommodate the new giant ships required for expanding port operations.

Currently, a labor dispute is ongoing over the same issues at Haifa Marine Traffic, where, among other things, in exceptional incidents, pilots have attempted to prevent ships from entering ports on the Haifa sea line. The new Ashdod Marine Traffic agreement is intended to adapt the employees' work format to the operation of large vessels.

The Histadrut stated that the agreement protects the rights of the employees and regulates their working conditions, allowing for the company's continued operation over time. It was further stated that the agreement includes professional and operational adjustments required following the entry of giant ships into service at Israel's ports.

Receiving larger volume ships will allow ports to handle larger cargo volumes per voyage and reduce costs and friction in the transport chain. The move is necessary to support the ability of Israel's ports to compete in international maritime activity, which has already advanced to giant ships, and to improve the resilience of Israel's import and export system during periods of global trade disruptions.

Participants in the negotiations included the Deputy Chairman of the Transport and Seaports Workers' Union, Adv. Nir Eisenberg, CEO of Israel Ports Company Pino Tsurya, CEO of Ashdod Marine Traffic Avihai Hatuka, Marine Traffic Captain Morris Mor, Chairman of the Pilots' Committee, Captain Dima Agrant, and Captain Lev Zakharov.

"For the pilots, this is a very significant move. The introduction of giant ships requires professional and operational adjustments, and it was important for us to ensure that the changes are made in a responsible, safe, and professional manner, while maintaining the status and working conditions of the pilots. I welcome the agreement and the cooperation between the employees, the Histadrut, and the company's management," said Agrant.

Now, all professional parties hope that the move will also have a positive impact on the discourse with Haifa Marine Traffic, where the struggle has been ongoing for over a year and includes surprise strikes that often disrupt continuous work.