Histadrut, officially the General Organization of Workers in Israel, emerged as a powerful Labor Union during the Yishuv period. Founded in 1920, its initial aims included organizing Jewish labor and establishing a Socialist economy. While primarily focused on Jewish labor, its policies and actions also impacted the Palestinian Arab workforce, leading to complex and often contentious interactions. It played a pivotal role in pre-state nation-building, not only as a union but also by establishing enterprises, cooperative settlements, and social services like Kupat Holim Clalit (a major Health Care provider). Histadrut's economic arm, Hevrat HaOvdim, became a significant force, encompassing industries, agricultural cooperatives, and banks. After the establishment of the state, its influence evolved, but it continues to represent workers' interests and play a role in Industrial Relations.
