Histadrut-PGFTU Relationship
In a landmark move, the Histadrut (Israeli TUC) and the Palestine General Federation of Trade Unions (PGFTU) signed an agreement in August 2008 to base future relations on negotiation, dialogue and joint initiatives to advance “fraternity and co-existence”.
The agreement, negotiated under the auspices of Guy Ryder, the General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), is based on the terms of an initial 1995 agreement that collapsed due to the failed peace talks between the Israeli Government and the Palestinian Authority in late 2000 and the subsequent outbreak of the Second Intifada.
The 1995 Agreement
Initial collaboration between the two federations started in 1993 after the signing of the Oslo Accords. In 1995, in a key step forward, the Histadrut and the PGFTU agreed that the Histadrut would provide legal representation to Palestinians working for Israeli employers and the PGFTU would receive 50 percent of all union representation fees from Palestinian employees working in Israel.
When the arrangement froze due to political and security conditions, major differences ensued between the two parties as to how much money the Histadrut still owed the PGFTU. This became increasingly difficult to evaluate over time as the number of Palestinians working in Israel significantly dropped during this volatile period.
Justification for Boycotts
A number of critics of Israel within the trade union movement, especially in the UK and Ireland, emphasised the disagreement and attempted to stir up trouble between the Histadrut and the PGFTU; repeatedly using it as a justification for promoting trade union boycotts, disinvestment and sanctions against Israel. However, throughout even the most difficult times, the two organisations continued to have dialogue and the Histadrut continued to help Palestinian workers attain permits.
Ofer Eini, Chairman of the Histadrut, said during his last visit to the UK in May 2008 that boycotts “would certainly cause severe damage to Palestinian workers who are employed by Israeli employers, and would create unnecessary tension between the Histadrut and the PGFTU”. He reiterated that neither the PGFTU, nor the Palestinian Authority, had ever called for a boycott.
New PGFTU/Histadrut Cooperation
Against the backdrop of improved conditions between Israel and the Palestinian Authority - with the success of the Annapolis summit - better cooperation between the Histadrut and the PGFTU has followed.
At the Histadrut’s 2007 Annual Congress, the PGFTU was officially represented and the delegation present affirmed its commitment to maintain and extend constructive relations.
Histadrut Petitions High Court
An example of this cooperation was evident in October 2007 when the Histadrut successfully petitioned Israel’s High Court of Justice for Israeli labour law to be applied in the occupied territories, something they were previously denied. Nine judges ruled that Palestinians working for Israeli employers in West Bank settlements should be given the same work benefits provided by Israeli law. The ruling set an important precedent that benefits thousands of Palestinians working for Israelis and Israeli companies throughout the West Bank.
Israeli/Palestinian Transport Union Agreement
In another programme of joint cooperation, over 20 Israeli and Palestinian transport union presentatives signed a number of collaborative agreements at a bilateral meeting organised by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) in June 2007.
The Histadrut and the PGFTU continue to meet under the auspices of the ITF. At the latest meeting, held on the 6-7 February 2008, both parties agreed to facilitate the passage of professional drivers at checkpoints and road blocks in the West Bank.
Bright Future
Cooperation between the PGFTU and the Histadrut is now better than ever. The new August 2008 agreement, negotiated under the umbrella of the ITUC, should defend the rights of Palestinian workers; lead to improvement in their day-to-day lives and pave the way for continuous cooperation. All financial issues have been settled and, as well as providing Palestinian workers with trade union services and representation fees, the new agreement encourages participation in educational and vocational training workshops. It is truly a significant event for trade unionists in the region and something which could have positive repercussions for the ongoing peace process.
Speaking of the agreement, Shaher Sae’d, the PGFTU General Secretary said it:
“removes a key obstacle to future cooperation and the full respect of the rights of Palestinian Workers.”
And Ofer Eini said the outcome would:
“help lay the foundations for future cooperation between Israeli and Palestinian trade unions and progress in our shared quest for justice, peace and prosperity for all in the region.”