Histadrut, the Israir pilots' committee and the management signed a special collective agreement

The Histadrut, the Israir pilots' committee and the management signed a special collective agreement for the company's pilots today (Sunday). The agreement will be valid until May 2023 and will apply to all 60 company pilots. It should be noted that since the Corona crisis began, the pilots have enlisted in favor of the company and even waived 50% of their salary so that no pilot goes out to the IDF.
Among other things, it has now been agreed to cut by 15% all wage components (including social security contributions) for the company's pilots, until February 2023. At the end of the period, wages will return to their pre-Corona crisis level. However, during the entire salary reduction period, the guaranteed salary for some pilots will increase by ten flight hours. It was further agreed that in the coming days a separate agreement will be signed for the allotment of shares and options to the company's pilots.
The parties also agreed on a program of training and absorption of new pilots starting next month and on the conversion of existing pilots to the jet fleet - which will improve their conditions. Wet lease (aircraft lease that also includes the flight crew) will be made after receiving written approval from the Pilots Committee.
The agreement was negotiated by Avi Edri, chairman of the Histadrut's Transportation Workers 'Union, the director of the Aviation Division of the union, Adv. Karnit Sheffer-Lidor, Israir's CEO Uri Sirkis, and Shai Weiner, chairman of the pilots' committee.
Histadrut chairman Arnon Bar-David welcomed the agreement and said: "The aviation industry is one of the hardest hit industries during the Corona year, and I am proud that the Histadrut knew how to stand by the workers in the moments of crisis, and now - with the exit. The agreement we signed today is a message to the pilots and Israir, ensures a positive outlook for the company and its employees and shows the trust and good working relations between the parties. The Histadrut will continue to work for the aviation and tourism industries, which have not yet returned to the track, both on the issue of recovery and at the level of employment and training programs.
The chairman of the Histadrut's Transportation Workers' Union, Avi Edri, added: "This is a balanced and excellent agreement for pilots and the company. The high level of trust that exists between the company's pilots and the company's CEO has led to impressive and fast results. "
Israir CEO Uri Sirkis said: “Throughout the 15 months of the Corona crisis, Israir pilots have demonstrated their loyalty and dedication to maintaining the home and the company's high operational capability. This collaboration is unique, and we, the company's management, are proud and happy about it. "
The chairman of the Israir pilots' committee, Shai Weiner, concluded: "The corona period, together with the process of selling the company, was and still is a great challenge for Israir and its employees. The sense of partnership of fate and trust that exists between the company's pilots and its executives helped us survive the period and sign an employment agreement for the next two years. There are other difficult challenges ahead, but we believe that if we continue together, in cooperation, we can do everything. "
Also taking part in the formulation of the agreement: Adv. Elad Morag and Adv. Natalie Shukowitzky from the law firm Elad Morag, Adv. Gali Steinberg, head of the Merhavim area at the Histadrut Legal Bureau, and Adv. Orna Lin.