ZIM Workers Launch Strike Over Hapag-Lloyd and FIMI Acquisition Deal

ZIM employees launched an immediate strike today following reports regarding the acquisition of ZIM by a joint group established by the Israeli FIMI Opportunity Funds and the German shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd. It is understood that employee representatives—numbering approximately 1,000 workers in Israel alone—met with the board representative, Adv. Ariel Aminetzah. The meeting, according to Mr. Oren Kaspi, Chairman of the ZIM Workers' Council, was unsuccessful after it became clear to the employees that the purchaser intends to retain only 120 employees in Israel.

Oren Kaspi spoke with PORT2PORT, stating: "We went on strike today because of what can only be described as a 'spit in the face' by the board of directors and the buyers. They want to split the company based on line activity—essentially transferring all the company's profitable operations to Hapag-Lloyd, while leaving only 120 employees in Israel with 16 old, faltering vessels. All other employees would be sent home, and we will not allow this to happen. We have commenced an indefinite strike until they come to the table, negotiate with us, and provide a fair agreement for the workers."

Kaspi noted that the employees had already declared a labor dispute on December 24, 2025; consequently, the workers went home today "until further notice," in his words.

The Histadrut (General Federation of Labour in Israel) stated: "The Histadrut fully backs the workers' committee and the ZIM workforce—dedicated employees who have provided essential services for decades and work 24/7 for the benefit of the Israeli economy. ZIM is not just another company; it is a strategic asset for the State of Israel. Any harm to the company's stability or its employees constitutes a blow to Israel's national interest. The Histadrut demands a guarantee for the preservation of jobs in Israel and clarifies that there will be no acceptance of moves that undermine the employment security of the workers. We will not hesitate to use all tools at our disposal, including a total shutdown of the company, to protect the employees and the public interest."

Kaspi added that if necessary, the employees would expand their struggle. "We have further measures up our sleeve, and I hope we won't have to use them." According to him, employee representatives are in contact with the Israeli Minister of Transport and will soon send an urgent letter requesting her intervention.

The Mayor of Haifa, Yona Yahav, also responded to the reports of the ZIM sale, stating: "I demand that the Israeli government halt this move and prevent the sale. The ZIM shipping company, headquartered in Haifa, is not just a standard business. Its existence carries strategic significance for the economy and security of the State of Israel, and it employs thousands of workers—many of whom reside in Haifa."

Yahav added: "Transferring ownership to foreign hands, even if an Israeli investment fund is involved in the middle, is problematic to say the least and harms national security. It could also lead to the dismissal of thousands of employees. I demand the Israeli government stop the process and prevent the sale—it is inconceivable that the State of Israel would not have a shipping company in Israeli hands; it is part of our economic and security survival."