WAC-MAAN has written an urgent letter to SodaStream CEO, Mr. Daniel Birnbaum, demanding immediate return of the employees to their posts!
The manager of Soda Stream presents himself and his operation in the occupied West Bank as an “island of peace.” In reality, the situation of Palestinian workers in the settlements is far from this ideal.
By Jodi Rudoren – The New York Times
Israeli industries operating in settlements that most of the world considers illegal and a prime obstacle to peace have become a focus of global attention amid growing momentum for a boycott movement.
Some 30,000 Palestinian workers are employed by Israelis in Area C. Most of them suffer from exploitation and lack of basic rights.
In what can be seen as an important initial gain for Palestinian workers working in the Settlements and the independent Union Centre WAC MAAN, it was agreed today to start negotiations in the Zarfati Garage in Mishor Adumim and so the planned strike was canceled.
Workers at the Zarfati Garage, residents of the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority, joined The Independent Trade Union Centre MAAN (known formally in English as WAC) and began organizing to put an end to decades of exploitation.
Following the workers at the Salit Quarry and Levi Metal & Wood, a third group of Palestinians employed by Israeli companies in the occupied West Bank is organizing with the Independent Trade Union Centre WAC-MAAN.
[:en] Written by Tali Heruti Sover, The Marker, May 11,
The workers, some of whom have been employed at the factory for over ten years, do not receive pay slips or social benefits such as paid public holidays, pension, vacation, days of sick leave, etc. Furthermore, if they have no pay slips they do not have any evidence of their work for purposes of compensation in case of a work accident or tenure calculations if being dismissed.
Report says the employment office incorrectly classifies those seeking help as being uninterested in holding a job.
