When the Zarfati garage became wary of the workers’ committee chairperson, they simply framed him using nationalist claims. They brought in the Civil Administration and the police, then sent him to military court.
developments in the struggle of Palestinian workers at Zarfaty Garage
After a year’s struggle, workers at Bialik House who organized with WAC-Maan have been recognized by Tel Aviv Municipality as waged employees in every way.
The struggle at Zarfaty Garage is precedent setting. It is the first time that Palestinian workers in the West Bank settlements organize themselves to win a union voice and negotiate a collective agreement.
WAC-MAAN National Director Assaf Adiv to Att. Shlomo Yitzhaki, Commissioner of Labour Relations, Israel Ministry of Economy
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.
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.
The documentary Seeds of Peace tells the untold story of Palestinian workers who are employed by Israeli employers in the Settlement Industrial Zones of the Israeli occupies West Bank. It is a must-see for anyone who is interested in the Palestinian question and the struggle of workers to achieve their rights.
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.
On March 13, 2013 the independent trade union, WAC-Maan, declared an industrial dispute at “Jana Beverages Industries LTD” which produces light beverages. The factory is located in upper Nazareth’s industrial zone.
