The workers began the strike two days ago in light of the Zarfati management’s ongoing refusal to negotiate, which peaked with the firing of the head of their Workers’ Committee Hatem Abu Ziadeh.
This morning (July 23) at 11:00, factory owners from Mishor Adumim approached striking workers on the picket line at Zarfaty Garage, demanding they leave immediately or be subject to violence.
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,
