Bank Hapoalim Strike Expands as Branches Close at Noon
Bank Hapoalim workers in Israel have expanded their stoppage, with branches and service centers set to shut down from 12:00 noon until the end of the workday. The action follows a warning strike carried out last week and involves about 8,000 employees across all units, including 180 branches, advisory centers, and the call center. The union organizing the action said the stoppage is a response to the management’s continued rejection of workers’ demands and its refusal to compromise on essential issues.
Why the Action Is Taking Place
According to the Union of Bank Hapoalim Employees, the protest is a direct reaction to what staff describe as a stubborn and dismissive stance by the bank’s leadership. A statement from the union says, “these strikes are taking place in light of the continued ignoring of workers’ demands and the hardline stance of the management, despite last week’s warning strike.” The union argues that negotiation attempts over the past months have stalled as the bank “drags its feet” and refuses meaningful concessions.
The conflict comes against a backdrop of strong financial performance. The union points to the bank’s reported profits of about 9 billion shekels in 2024 and notes expectations of even higher profits in 2025, arguing that the push for cuts is out of step with the bank’s earnings.
Details of the Proposed Restructuring
The workers say the management’s plan includes a dramatic reduction of roughly 770 positions through non-filling and job consolidation, along with widespread redeployment of hundreds of employees. The union warns that these steps would lower wages for many and erode opportunities for career advancement, while also increasing workloads for remaining staff. The ongoing changes are described as “drastic” by the union and are blamed for creating untenable working conditions that could ultimately affect the level of service customers receive.
What This Means for Customers
As branches across the country scale back or suspend normal operations, customers may face longer wait times, reduced access to in-branch services, and heightened pressure on the bank’s advisory and call-center channels. The bank has stressed its ongoing commitment to customer service, but the strike presents a clear test to the bank’s ability to maintain service levels during a period of workforce disruption.
Industry and Economic Context
Labor relations experts say the Bank Hapoalim dispute highlights broader tensions within the Israeli banking sector as lenders seek to balance cost-cutting with staff welfare and customer service. While profitability remains strong, unions insist that best practices in labor relations require transparent negotiation and respect for workers’ rights. Analysts note that the outcome of these negotiations could influence how other banks approach restructuring and wage negotiations in the coming months.
Next Steps and Outlook
Negotiations between the bank and its employees’ union are expected to resume in the near term as both sides seek a path forward. The union has pressed for a constructive dialogue that protects workers’ pay and career prospects while allowing the bank to modernize and optimize its operations. For customers, the immediate focus remains on minimizing disruption and ensuring critical services are maintained wherever possible.
A Call for Dialogue
In their statements, union representatives urged the bank to return to the negotiating table with a willingness to find balanced solutions that respect the livelihoods of thousands of workers and the bank’s long‑term stability. The labor action serves as a visible reminder that operational efficiency must go hand in hand with fair labor practices and clear, credible communication to staff and customers alike.
