The Histadrut (Hebrew for "union"), or HaHistadrut HaKlalit schel HaOwdim B'Eretz Israel hebr.: the general federation of the workers of Israel), is the roof federation of the trade unions of Israel. It was created in December 1920, and thus nearly 30 years before the Israeli establishment of state, of David Ben Gurion in Haifa.

Originally the Histadrut was oriented zionistisch socialist and developed in the social sector comprehensive structures. The activities went thereby far beyond purely unionized fields of activity. The Histadrut created among other things the largest health insurance company of the country, homes for the elderly, convalescent homes as well as many cooperative enterprises. In addition it operated culture and medium mechanisms. The Histadrut created also with the assistance of the WZO its own bank, the bank HaPoalim. The first four decades after the establishment of state the Israeli Treasury of the Histadrut permitted to invest their pension funds into the own holding company Chewrat Owdim whereby it could ensure a constant Kapitalfluss. In the range of the Histadrut 20 was in the 60's. Century about 30% of the Israeli employees employ. In addition by the connection of health insurance company and union membership zeitenweise up to 70% of the adults Israelis were unionized organized, what the Histadrut a substantial influence in the country secured.

For a long time the Histadrut of the work party was close, which possessed thereby substantial influence for its part. In the year 1994 the Histadrut was completely converted however after preceding structural crises. Apart from the dissolution of many unionized enterprises it came to a separation of the health insurance company and the remainders of the Israeli social economy (Chevrat haOvdim), still remained. For the first time the Mapai could not decide the internal elections, which run off every four years, with an absolute majority in this year for itself. 1995 were renamed the federation into new Histadrut. Its chairman, Amir Peretz, created his own party (at the Echad), which was represented with two mandates in the Israeli parliament.

In addition, after these changes the Histadrut has above all tasks as trade union in the Western European sense, it leads wage negotiations, is roof federation for the single trade unions. It is member in the international federation of free trade unions and cooperated among other things with the DGB.

Scientific source:

• M. Maschke: The Israeli worker organization Histadrut: Of the state in the state to the independent trade union, Haag+Heerchen 2003 ''

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