UN ILO report praises Histadrut-PGFTU co-operation
A new United Nations International Labour Organisation (ILO) report on the situation of workers in the occupied territories has praised the co-operation between Israeli and Palestinian trade unions. The report, published on 12 June, points to recent agreements between the Histadrut and the PGFTU as “a unique example of co-operation providing a basis for reinvigorated partnership” and states that “working together to protect workers’ rights and interests puts ILO values and principles first, displaying hope on the way to peace”. The report suggests that this co-operation is one of the few glimmers of light in an otherwise difficult situation for workers.
The key features of the Histadrut-PGFTU agreements highlighted in the ILO report include: the Histadrut reimbursing the PGFTU the outstanding balance of legal representation fees paid by Palestinians working for Israeli employers; the provision of Histadrut legal assistance to Palestinian workers employed by Israeli employers; and educational and vocational training courses for Palestinian trade unionists, particularly in the area of workers’ rights and occupational health and safety.
In addition, throughout the ILO report there are many references to the differences in the situation for workers in the West Bank and Gaza, noting that “the Gaza branch of the PGFTU is still suffering from the attacks against unionists and the takeover of offices and facilities by Hamas”.
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