SasaTech Signs First Collective Agreement Near Lebanese Border
SasaTech signed its first collective agreement at the Dalton Industrial Park near the Lebanese border, securing a 10% wage hike, study funds, and a special war bonus of over 5,000 NIS per worker.
Following prolonged negotiations conducted under the shadow of ongoing security tensions in the north, the first collective agreement was signed on Monday at the SasaTech plant in the Dalton Industrial Park, located just a few kilometers from the Lebanese border. This milestone marks the end of a complex period during which the plant's employees continued to operate production lines and maintain business continuity despite severe security challenges.
The agreement, which covers approximately 100 employees and remains in effect until 2028, includes a series of significant achievements. Among them are cumulative wage increases of approximately 10% over the next three years, an advanced study fund (Keren Hishtalmut), welfare budgets, medical insurance for employees and their families, various bonuses, and gift vouchers for family events.
War Bonuses and Legal Settlements
In addition, as a gesture of appreciation for the employees' dedication during the fighting, the company's management awarded a "war bonus" totaling hundreds of thousands of shekels, which translates to over 5,000 NIS per employee. Furthermore, a sum of 350,000 NIS, which was previously awarded to the Histadrut labor federation during a legal dispute in the initial unionization phase, will be transferred in full to the plant's workers as an additional bonus.
The agreement also stipulates that employees will receive a monthly basket of the company's products worth hundreds of shekels, alongside an improved benefits package that anchors their rights in a collective agreement for the first time. SasaTech, a factory belonging to the Sheniv Group, is one of the most significant employment hubs in the Upper Galilee, specializing in the manufacture of cleaning, disinfection, and maintenance products for both private and institutional markets.
Leadership Perspectives
Yona Partuk, Chairman of the Upper Galilee Region of the Histadrut, stated:
"What began as a path full of challenges and disagreements has evolved over time into a relationship based on trust, mutual respect, and cooperation. The negotiations were conducted with transparency and fairness, despite the many difficulties along the way."
Aviv Azouz, the Professional Union Secretary in the Upper Galilee Region, added:
"I served over 700 days of reserve duty during this period, and throughout it, I knew that this agreement must not be stopped. Despite the complex security reality, sirens, and numerous challenges, we continued to advance negotiations to a successful completion."
Ori Bitan, Chairman of the Workers' Committee, expressed pride in representing the SasaTech workforce, describing the workplace as "first and foremost a family" and thanking both the Histadrut and management for their openness to the workers' needs.
