Gat Foods Plans Workforce Cuts as Union Declares Labor Dispute

Gat Foods is planning workforce cuts at its beverage-concentrates plant in Kibbutz Givat Haim Meuhad, prompting the workers’ committee and Histadrut Leumit to declare a labor dispute. The company said rising Israeli production costs and currency movements have made part of its export activity economically unviable, while negotiations and mediation continue. Reports differ on the scale, ranging from 60 employees to more than 100, with the plant described as employing roughly 300 to 400 workers. The company said Prigat-branded drinks are produced separately in Ashkelon and domestic marketing will continue.