Data released by the Freedom of Information Movement has exposed striking employment figures at Bnei Brak municipality, coming amid an ongoing battle over efficiency measures and budget cuts that has pitted city management against the workers' committee.
According to the figures published Wednesday, Bnei Brak municipality employs 219 workers who have passed age 67, with an annual salary cost totaling approximately NIS 38.6 million. The list includes 22 employees over age 70, eight over age 80, and three over age 90. The oldest employee on the payroll is 94 years old.
Salary data also reveals significant figures. Average monthly salary cost stands at approximately NIS 14,700, with a median exceeding NIS 13,650. Forty-six employees on the list earn a monthly salary cost of more than NIS 20,000, with the highest reaching approximately NIS 76,000 per month for a 69-year-old employee.
City Responds
Bnei Brak municipality rejects claims that these workers are employed beyond retirement age in violation of law. City officials explain that age 67 does not necessarily constitute mandatory retirement, and that continued employment of certain workers is regulated by law.
The municipality further stated that according to Interior Ministry guidelines, consensual retirement age with municipal committee approval stands at 72. Regarding employees who have passed age 72, the city said this age requires an approval process in a council session, and that it intends to conduct an individual review of the circumstances of their employment.
"Review of the document that was sent shows that the vast majority of employees are not at retirement age. Anyone who has not yet reached age 67 is not at all relevant to the claim, since according to law there is no mandatory retirement at this age but only an option," the municipality stated.
"Additionally, the municipality has a group of employees, such as bereaved parents, for whom the retirement obligation only applies upon reaching age 71, and they continue their work according to law. Furthermore, in accordance with Interior Ministry guidelines, consensual retirement age (with municipal committee approval) stands at age 72, and therefore all names appearing on the list up to that age are acting lawfully and are not exceptional. Regarding employees who have passed age 72, an age at which employment requires an approval process in a council session, the municipality will conduct an individual review of the circumstances of their employment."
The data emerges against the backdrop of cuts and efficiency measures at the municipality, with the workers' committee claiming that management's steps could harm employees' conditions and salaries. The committee is expected to hold an explanatory assembly for all municipal employees tomorrow, during which the efficiency plan and its implications for workers will be presented.
