Parliamentary aides unionize

Knesset aides say Knesset doesn't recognize them as employees, demand overtime pay for around-the-clock work.

By LAHAV HARKOV
Knesset aides 370 (photo credit: The Parliamentary Aides’ Union)
Knesset aides 370
(photo credit: The Parliamentary Aides’ Union)
Coalition chairman Yariv Levin (Likud Beytenu) and opposition leader Shelly Yacimovich (Labor) may not agree on much, but their parliamentary aides work well together, leading the effort to unionize their colleagues.
The Parliamentary Aides’ Union was officially formed Monday and registered under the Histadrut labor federation, which notified Knesset director-general Ronen Plot of the move, inviting him to participate in negotiations regarding their working conditions.
“We work long hours without being paid overtime, and the Knesset does not recognize us as employees,” a union spokesman said. “The job of an aide in recent years includes availability around the clock, a lot of traveling and expenses, all for a low salary that does not change when prices go up and without benefits.”
Over one-third of the parliamentary aides joined the Histadrut, including Yacimovich aide Laura Talinovsky; Levin aid Lilach Sheli; Narkis Edward, an aide for MK Meshulam Nahari (Shas); Knesset Labor, Welfare and Health Committee chairman Haim Katz (Likud Beytenu) aide Ilan Marciano; and Ben Tzadok, an aide to Knesset Committee for Child Welfare chairwoman Orly Levy- Abecassis (Likud Beytenu), who formed the union’s managing board.