Labour10/18/2026

Social Workers Expand Sanctions: New Services for People with Disabilities Will Be Delayed

The Israel Union of Social Workers expanded its sanctions as part of a dispute concerning the implementation of the Welfare Services for People with Disabilities Law. Social workers in local authorities will not prepare or implement the Ministry of Welfare’s pilot program, and therefore the new services established by law may be delayed.

Key facts

•The labor dispute was declared on July 29
•The initial sanctions began on September 6
•The expansion of the sanctions was announced on October 18, 2026
•Approximately 115,000 cases are handled by approximately 550 social workers
•The reform is based on the Welfare Services for People with Disabilities Law

What Happened

On October 18, 2026, the union announced a new phase of the sanctions. Social workers in local authorities will not participate in preparatory meetings or training, implement new procedures, collect data, or perform tasks related to the pilot program. The union also refused to participate in the accompanying study, the program’s evaluation, and the preparation of feedback on it.

Reasons for the Labor Dispute

According to the union, the Ministry of Welfare has not offered a solution to the heavy workload and has not committed to providing the necessary positions and resources. The labor dispute was declared on July 29, and the initial sanctions began on September 6. The union supports the law’s objectives but demands that conditions be secured for its professional and stable implementation.

Which Services Will Be at Risk

Because of the sanctions, people with disabilities may not receive on time the new services to which they are entitled by law. These services include personal support and assistance, training for the independent management of a household, and assistance with day-to-day matters and social integration. They also include support for independent living, including assistance and subsidies for adapted housing in the community.

The Burden on Municipal Services

According to union data, approximately 550 social workers in local authorities handle approximately 115,000 cases involving people with disabilities—an average of more than 208 cases per professional. The number of cases is expected to grow by 10%–12% each year, or approximately 10,000 cases annually. The union warned that without a solution, the sanctions could continue and escalate into a full strike.

What this means for you

For people with disabilities and their families, this means a possible delay in the new municipal services established by law, although the source does not state that the rights themselves have been revoked. No dates were given for resuming preparations or launching the pilot program, and these will depend on developments in the labor dispute.

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