Supreme Court clears way for Nissankoren to lead Histadrut

In November, sitting Histadrut chairman Ofer Eini announced that he would resign the position he held for five years.

By NIV ELIS
Newly appointed Histadrut chairman Avi Nissankoren. (photo credit: HISTADRUT/YEHUDAH SEGEV)
Newly appointed Histadrut chairman Avi Nissankoren.
(photo credit: HISTADRUT/YEHUDAH SEGEV)
The Supreme Court on Sunday night cleared the way for Avi Nissankoren to take the helm of the Histadrut Labor Federation, the country’s largest union.
In November, sitting Histadrut chairman Ofer Eini announced he would resign the position he had held for five years, anointing the Trade Union division’s Nissankoren as his preferred successor.
With Eini’s backing, Nissankoren had little trouble winning the support of the Histadrut leadership, obviating the need for a general election from the Histadrut’s membership.
Labor MK Eitan Cabel, who had battled Eini for the position in previous elections and hoped to throw his hat in the ring once again, took the Histadrut to court in December for circumventing a general election. When the Tel Aviv District Court ruled in favor of the Histadrut, Eini appealed, forcing a delay in the succession process at the union.
Eini, who intended to step down in February, decided to stay on board until the matter was cleared up in order to avoid a leadership vacuum.
On Monday, the Labor faction – the Histadrut’s primary political ally – formally threw its weight behind Nissankoren, praising his negotiation skills and contributions to organized labor.
“In light of the many challenges facing the Israeli economy, it is very important that the one who will be selected to head the Histadrut in this significant time will be someone who not only brings great experience from the field, but also understands the fears of the employees and can fight on their behalf until victory,” the faction wrote in a statement.
“We believe that Avi Nissankoren is the right man at the right place.”
Nissankoren waisted little time getting to work, appearing Monday at the postal service protest against planned layoffs, which coincided with a one-day strike.


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