Dispute Ends with National Agreement at Israel's 'Coffee Bean'

Posted to the IUF website 11-Mar-2008

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Weeks of tough negotiations following a hard-fought series of union actions in support of coffee shop workers concluded in a national agreement signed on March 11 between Israel's Histadrut confederation and the Coffee Bean chain of coffee shops/restaurants. This is the first national agreement in the growing coffee shop sector, and will cover some 300 workers in 14 outlets. By focusing on initial support for striking workers in one Tel Aviv branch, then applying national and international pressure to the chain, the union has succeeded in winning a strategic breakthrough.

The agreement resolves outstanding issues involving trade union rights, allocation of shifts, transportation subsidy and the distribution of tips, as well as ensuring that the company complies with all legal obligations concerning pensions, wages, overtime and sick leave. The agreement also provides for all employees to receive 10% of the annual profits, a bonus for employees with over one year of service and low-cost meals.