Ben-Gurion Airport delays stretch into third day as strike effects continue

Ben-Gurion Airport is experiencing flight delays that have extended into their third day, following a strike initiated on Friday by the Israel Airports Authority (IAA) workers' union. The union's chairman, Pinchas Idan, has rejected claims of responsibility for the airport shutdown, stating in an interview that the delays are due to a significant labor shortage.

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The committee always wants more workers, and that's fine, but in this case there is no shortage of porters, because there are more.

The IAA workers' union asserts that at least 500 additional workers are needed across the airport and related facilities. Idan specifically pointed to a lack of luggage handlers, forcing available staff to work 12-hour shifts during a regional heatwave. He also noted that some of the shortage is attributed to workers fulfilling their mandatory IDF reserve service.

However, sources familiar with the issue suggest a different narrative. Despite Idan's claims, reports indicate that the number of luggage handlers has actually increased over the past six years, while passenger numbers have decreased during the same period. One source indicated that the union did not request more workers in 2019, a year that saw record passenger traffic, contradicting the union's current stance.

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A change needs to be made in the operating model. This needs to be done in cooperation with the workers' union.

Further complicating the situation, another source told Walla that overall motivation among airport workers has declined in recent years. This decrease is partly attributed to an increase in permanent workers and a reduction in temporary staff, with temporary workers described as "less worn out, more flexible and motivated." A change in the operating model, in cooperation with the workers' union, is suggested as a necessary solution.

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political and illegal shutdown

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has begun proceedings to remove Idan's Likud Party membership. Netanyahu filed an urgent petition with the Likud's Supreme Court, characterizing the strike as a "political and illegal shutdown" allegedly targeting the party, himself, and Transportation Minister Miri Regev. Idan, in his interview, denied any affiliation with Likud, stating he has "never received anything from Likud" in his lifetime. He blamed the airport manager for the chaos and declined to comment on whether the delays would continue throughout the week.

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I never received anything from Likud.