Histadrut labor union declines to join strike called by hostages’ families, since it has ‘no practical outcome’

The Histadrut, the country’s main labor federation, says it will not join a general strike called for August 17 to protest the continuation of the war and the government’s approval of a plan for a military takeover of Gaza City.

The decision follows a meeting between Histadrut chairman Arnon Bar-David, senior representatives of the business sector and representatives of the families of hostages who are leading the call for the strike scheduled for Sunday.

Bar-David, who requested to meet with the families to explain his decision, expresses concern that the involvement of the powerful organization would divert public discourse around the return of the hostages into politics.

“If I knew that a strike — not just for one day but longer — would end the matter, stop the war and bring back the hostages, I would go for it with full force,” says Bar-David. “Unfortunately, and although my heart is bursting with anger, it has no practical outcome.”

Although the Histadrut will not join the strike in an organized manner, Bar-David committed to asking company management and workers’ committees to allow employees to participate in the protest and solidarity rally on August 17 without harming their rights as workers.