Trade Union Friends of Israel

International Trade Union Confederation Press Release, 6 August 2008

The Israeli national trade union centre Histadrut and the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions (PGFTU), both of which are affiliated to the ITUC, have reached a landmark agreement to protect the rights of Palestinian workers employed by Israeli employers, and to base future relations on negotiations, dialogue and joint initiatives to advance “fraternity and coexistence between the two peoples.” The current agreement draws on the terms of an initial 1995 agreement, which it had not been possible to fully implement in the intervening years.

The key features of the agreement include the reimbursement by Histadrut to the PGFTU of the outstanding balance of union and legal representation fees paid since 1993 by Palestinians working for Israeli employers. The reimbursement is based on a detailed year-by-year analysis of the fees paid by Palestinian workers, taking into account funds previously transferred to the PGFTU. The PGFTU will have sole discretion as to how the funds will be spent, in line with its Constitution.

“Why trade union cooperation is vital to the peace process and prosperity”

Guest speakers include:

His Excellency Ron Prosor, Israeli Ambassador
Owen Tudor, Head of International Relations, TUC
Avital Shapira-Shabirow, Head of International Department, The Histadrut (Israeli TUC)
Roger Lyons, Chair, Trade Union Friends of Israel

Meeting Room 1, East Wing, The Brighton Centre, Brighton
Tuesday 9 September 2008
12.30pm- 2.00pm,
Light Lunch

R.S.V.P
info@tufi.org.uk

Admittance to conference pass holders only