Histadrut labor federation Chairman Ofer Eini's surprise resignation Tuesday has given rise to speculations regarding his potential successor. Eini reportedly seeks to name the Histadrut's Professional Unions Department head Avi Nissenkorn for the role, but others in the labor federation have come out against the nomination, saying Eini is not a king who can simply nominate a successor. "The Histadrut's charter stipulates the Histadrut's board members will elect my replacement through a democratic vote," Eini said about Nissenkorn's nomination. "If there is a majority [vote] Avi will be named as the chairman. I was elected the same way when Amir Peretz retired." Nissenkorn, 45, served as the Professional Unions Department's legal counsel before being named its head in May 2010. He has a bachelor's degree in law from Tel Aviv University, and prior to joining the Histadrut he headed his own practice, specializing in labor law. Eini was elected for a third four-year term in 2012 and is set to officially retire in February 2014 -- mid-term. Should Nissenkorn be named his successor, he is likely to remain in office pending the next Histadrut chairmanship elections in 2017. Nevertheless, a legal battle may force the labor federation to call for early elections as several other candidates, including Labor MKs Eitan Cabel, who lost to Eini in 2012, and Micky Rosenthal, are said to be eyeing the position. A Likud source said that several senior minister have urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to offer the position to Likud MK Haim Katz. Netanyahu spoke with Eini following his announcement and thanked him for his service and for the responsible practices he exercised during his time in office. Finance Minister Yair Lapid commented on his alleged rivalry with Eini, saying that the two had ultimately become fast friends. "From my brief acquaintance with Ofer I can say that he is an ethical man whose first concern is the workers, but who was also concerned with the economy's needs," Economy and Trade Minister Naftali Bennett said Tuesday. "As Histadrut chairman, Eini knew how to balance responsible practices with duly representing the workers' sector. He always had the economy and Israeli society's best interest at heart." Labor Chairwoman MK Shelly Yachimovich also spoke with Eini and expressed her regret over his decision: "The fight for the right to make an honest living is one of the most significant battles we are waging today. In this fight, Eini was a pivotal force in favor of workers." "Eini is ending an illustrious term in office," said MK Isaac Herzog (Labor). "He is leaving behind a Histadrut that is stronger than ever."
Politicians eye Histadrut chairmanship
Battle for labor federation Chairman Ofer Eini's seat begins in wake of his surprise resignation • Labor MKs Eitan Cabel and Micky Rosenthal announce they will vie for the position • Likud MK Haim Katz may throw his hat into the ring as well.
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