Acute shortage of workers: the working day in Israel could increase to 14 hours
Due to the tense security situation and widespread employee absences, the Israeli Ministry of Labor has allowed employers to temporarily significantly extend their working hours. The corresponding exclusive general authorization was signed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Labor Yariv Levin.
The measure is aimed at ensuring the continuous operation of the economy, which has suffered due to a large-scale call-up of reservists, the closure of educational institutions and difficulties in getting employees to work.
According to the new permit, the working day can be extended to 14 hours (including overtime) subject to the consent of the employee. Between the 12th and 14th hours of work, at least a 15-minute break must be provided. The weekly overtime quota has been increased to 25 hours (total of 67 working hours per week). The monthly overtime limit will be up to 90 hours.
The permit applies to employers with more than 20 employees, provided that at least 20% of staff (or shifts) are absent due to the current situation.
Employers are required to take into account the personal circumstances of employees related to the “special situation in the rear” regime when allocating working hours.
The permit will be valid until March 12, 2026 or until the special state of emergency is lifted, whichever occurs first.
The authorities emphasize that the measure is temporary and is designed to compensate for the acute labor shortage amid the ongoing military crisis.