Yitzhak Moyal, Chairperson of Histadrut, said that the MOU sends a strong message to the public that the days of unauthorized crane companies hiring illegal and untrained crane operators are numbered.
"This is an important step in our struggle to protect the safety and lives of our fellow workers, ensure their decent and safe employment and improve the overall image of the industry," Moyal said.
According to the agreement, the parties will work together to raise awareness on the importance of authorized employers employing only duly licensed and trained crane operators, ensure the payment of their lawful wages, and respond to the proliferation of illegal crane operator companies and crane operators with fake licenses, which the groups stressed is a threat to public safety.
The signatories to the said agreement also agreed to distribute joint circulars, a minimum of twice a year, to workers and employers to raise awareness on crane operators' rights and welfare, principles and advantages of a safe workplace, as well as professional updates.
It was reported that a joint forum will also be convened once every quarter of the year to monitor the implementation of the agreement's agreed upon principles and provisions, and discuss other professional issues related to the regulation of crane operators and the promotion of their profession.