Statement delivered by Ms. Rivka Werbner, Chief Labor Relations Officer, Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs & Social Services, Israel
Mr. Chairman, honored members,
I would like to welcome the Director-General Mr. Guy Ryder and thank the organization for organizing this important conference under such difficult circumstances. Our convening here today is a sign of our collective strength.
I would like to take the opportunity and share with you the Israeli process of moving from a pandemic crisis to labor opportunities.
The Covid19 pandemic had a disastrous impact on the Israeli economy as in most countries, especially with regards to closing of businesses and loss of workplaces. The unemployment rate rose from 3.9% in February to almost 35% by the end of April 2020.
In joined efforts we are turning this complex reality into opportunities which will lead the Israeli economy many years forward.
In order to handle the crisis, support businesses, protect workers and bring them back to work, several plans were created under the Law for Economic Stimulus Plan, 2020. This plan includes inter alia:
• A safety net for wage earners on unpaid leave
• Unemployment compensations
• A safety net for self-employed.
• Increased loans subsidized by the state.
• Mapping and responding to the needs of the elderly and populations at risk
• A broad increase in the scope of professional training relevant to the digital labor market.
Another issue related to labor relations in Israel:
The recent rise in number and complexity of labor disputes led to a reform in that field. This reform will introduce external mediators with specific expertise in the issues of the disputes, which will lead to more efficient handling of nationwide conflicts.
The subject of the future of work is of high priority in Israel. Undoubtedly, the rapid technological developments are changing the face of the labor world and society in general. Various occupations of a repetitive nature are reducing their activity or moving into more sophisticated fields.
We observe at this point that the labor market does exhibit a certain flexibility to accommodate developing changes. Moreover, the development of new branches of the economy - innovations in the hi-tech, medical equipment and renewable energy sectors - require planning and specializing in occupations with which the economy is unfamiliar yet.
The subject of work from home is not yet regulated by law in Israel. Prior to the pandemic, in the private sector, 5% of employees were working from home. In the public service, remote work was permitted in very exceptional cases.
In order to cope with the Pandemic, special arrangements were made in the private and public sectors. The possibility to work from home was extended to reduce physical presence at the workplaces. It seems that this trend will gradually take root in the post Corona era (for example, 41percent of law offices permit work from home after the Pandemic).
Last but not least, I would like to raise the challenge of the integration of older workers in the labor market.
We should consider removal of economic and legal obstacles and to make possible maximum flexibility in their terms of employment. The government of Israel has taken preliminary steps in this direction.
Mr. Chair,
looking back one year, we can say today that the Covid19 pandemic turned the subject of labor from many hardships to enormous opportunities.
Thank you Mr. Chairman.