Israel Airports Authority chief warns those behind Ben-Gurion strike will 'pay the price'

Yiftah Ron Tal, chairman of the Israel Airports Authority, has strongly condemned a recent strike at Ben-Gurion Airport, labeling it "bullying and intolerable behavior." The strike caused significant disruptions, leaving passengers facing extended waits for their luggage.

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I regret the distress and the damage caused to passengers, which is completely unjustifiable. In my eyes, this is bullying and intolerable behavior, and we will examine it in the coming days.

Ron Tal expressed regret for the distress and damage caused to travelers, stating that the actions were unjustifiable. He vowed that those found responsible would face consequences, which would include both administrative and legal measures. "As soon as we identify who is responsible for this, they will pay the price," he stated on 103FM.

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As soon as we identify who is responsible for this, they will pay the price.

Despite his criticism of the strike, Ron Tal defended the airport employees, acknowledging they work under challenging conditions, especially during wartime. He emphasized that they do not deserve to be treated in such a manner and warned that unilateral actions could harm organized labor in Israel.

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The steps that will be taken are not only administrative; they are also legal. I do not want to do things in a way that will not be correct.

Addressing broader issues, Ron Tal acknowledged the need for reforms at the authority, which has existed for 50 years with a "very problematic" organizational structure. He described the airport's structure as an "inverted pyramid," with too many permanent employees and too few temporary workers. He rejected claims of a shortage of 400 baggage handlers, suggesting the number might be inflated and that any shortage is among manual labor. He also clarified that workers operate on 12-hour shifts, not 15 consecutive hours as alleged.

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Our employees are simply excellent. During the war and today, they work under difficult and complex conditions, and they do not deserve to be directed this way.