Ashdod is a new port, administered by a new bureaucracy, in a new town, settled by new immigrants. This article examines power relations between the Israel Ports Authority (IPA), port workers, the Histadruth (General Federation of Labour) and the Government. Because of its national significance, workers' leaders in the port are able to negotiate directly with Histadruth headquarters and Government ministries. A series of labour disputes resulted in the increased participation of workers' representatives in the port administration, particularly over questions of recruitment and promotion. In addition to being pressed by its workers, the IPA, following a Committee of Inquiry on Labour Relations, has come under closer Government scrutiny.