What Happens If You're Not a Government Employee?
Imagine living in central Israel, working in the private sector. War breaks out and your company is closed for a few days. You believe you're protected, but then you discover the law isn't on your side as you thought. While government workers receive 100% of their salary, you're required to be absent for at least ten days to get a portion of your salary. Another shock comes when you find out that if you were absent for less time or returned to work earlier, you might not receive any salary at all. The feeling of injustice grows, especially knowing that your work truly supports the economy.
What Do the Courts Actually Consider?
In emergencies like war, Israeli law addresses the challenges of each sector separately. The State Service Law, for example, provides broader protection for government employees than for those in the private sector. In many cases, government employees are entitled to full salary from the first day of the emergency, whereas private sector employees generally have to meet stricter criteria, such as a minimum absence of ten days. The law is intended to ensure the functional continuity of the public sector but creates significant gaps that can affect the sense of equality and justice in the system.
When Is This Relevant — A Checklist
- ✓Are you working in the private sector?
- ✓Were you absent for at least ten days?
- ✓Was your workplace closed?
- ✓Are you a parent of children without schooling?
The Specific Law That Applies
The State Service Law gives priority to government employees in emergencies, with entitlement to full salary from the employer. However, the private sector does not have the same rights and requires prolonged absence and even agreements with the employer to receive part of the salary.
Frequently Asked Questions — And No One Asks the Lawyer
Real Situations — Which Side Are You On?
Scenario 1: A lawyer at a private firm forced to be absent for 8 days. Verdict: Not eligible for full compensation. Scenario 2: A teacher in a public school whose institution was closed for 3 days. Verdict: Eligible for full salary. Scenario 3: An employee in a tech company who traveled abroad and got stuck there. Verdict: Eligible for 90% salary.
What to Do Right Now
If you're in the private sector and had to be absent due to the war, check your rights with your employer. Do not sign documents without understanding their implications. If you do nothing, you might find yourself without pay during this difficult time. Seek legal advice to ensure your rights.