"We're better off without Palestinian workers"
Executives from Omer Construction and Engineering claim that the Israeli construction industry has become more efficient and productive following the shift away from Palestinian labor. They cite improved work hours, safety, and quality as primary benefits of the current workforce transition.
Why it matters
The article highlights the economic and operational shifts within the Israeli construction sector amid ongoing regional conflict and labor shortages.
"The state of the workforce in our industry is better for us than it was before the war. Wages have risen, but at a rough estimate output is 30% higher. A workday with Palestinian workers used to begin at 6:30 am with workers who had to get up at 4 am in order to reach the construction site. They began shutting down the equipment at 4 pm at the latest.
"They celebrated the Muslim holidays and also took time off on the Jewish holidays. This is no longer the case. Work now begins at the site at 6:30 am - 6:45 at the latest - and continues until 7 pm. The laborers also work on Fridays, not to mention work safety and quality, which have improved immeasurably. As far as we're concerned, the current situation is much better than it used to be."
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