Histadrut wins court ruling cementing union status at Nokia

Israel’s National Labor Court has upheld the Histadrut’s role as the sole representative body for workers at Nokia Solutions and Networks Israel Ltd, in a ruling seen as a major legal victory for the country’s largest trade union federation. The court unanimously rejected a challenge from a rival group that sought to unseat the Histadrut, ruling that the federation met all legal requirements for union recognition under Israeli labor law. It also warned against employer-backed or informally structured associations interfering with established union representation.

Adv. Hanna Shnitser-Rahav, Chief Legal Counsel of the Histadrut’s Trade Union Division, welcomed the decision: “The firm ruling of the National Labor Court strengthens the Histadrut. The court reinforced and clarified the legal definition of a ‘labor union’ and ruled that the criteria for recognition must not be relaxed. This decision safeguards workers’ rights and fortifies the legitimacy of organizing within established trade unions.”

The ruling clears the way for the Histadrut to continue negotiations with Nokia Israel management over a collective agreement covering working conditions and job security.

Yaki Halutzi, Chair of the Cellular, Internet, and Hi-Tech Workers Union within the Histadrut, praised the ruling’s implications for workplace solidarity: “This is a meaningful day for the workers of Nokia. The National Labor Court has spoken clearly. The Histadrut will now move forward in good faith to represent all employees and work toward a collective agreement. I call on all workers to unite — for their own future and for the strength of the Israeli site.”

Histadrut said it would resume negotiations with Nokia management immediately.