Israeli and Palestinian construction unions build ties
In a another agreement between the the Histadrut (Israeli TUC) and the Palestine General Federation of Trade Unions (PGFTU), the Israeli and Palestinian construction workers’ unions have come together to form an apprenticeship scheme.
The programme, entitled “Vocational Training and Employment for Palestinian Construction Trainees,” will enable participants to gain “professional knowledge and experience and guarantee their employment in the Israeli building industry.”
The official agreement letter, signed by Itzhak Moyal, the chairman of the Israeli Construction union, and Sharher Sa’ed, the General Secretary of the PGFTU, states that:
“It is our pleasure to express our endorsement and commitment for this important and high priority venture between our organizations, which no doubt will enhance the relationship between the Histadrut and the PGFTU, strengthen the status of the Palestinian and Israeli employees and strongly support the peace process and co-existence in our region.”
"We greatly appreciate the efforts of the BWI [the Building and Wood Workers' International] for taking the auspice in this venture and the strengthening of international solidarity. We are convinced that the co-operation between our organisations will be a role model for the trade union movement and the political leaders in our region."
Signed Joint Declaration of Israeli and Palestinian transport unions:
In its first year of operation it is planned that the scheme will support 60 trainees and include 540 classroom hours, consisting of three months of theoretical and field training.
At the end of each course there will be a comprehensive exam and sucessful candidates will receive a diploma and professional certificates in construction and metal work.
The Palestinian trainees will arrive each day on a booked bus, which will pick them up at at a specific point at a border check point and drop them off at the same place at the end of each day. The students also will be accompanied by a Palestinian course co-ordinator, who will be the liaison with the Israeli team.
For the full details of the Israeli-Palestinian agreement - click here.
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