Netherlands: agreement in the light metal industry

Mobilization in preparation for a strike allowed unions to reach, on April 6th, an agreement in principle on the next collective agreement in the light metal industry (Metaal & Techniek) which will be in force between April 1, 2011 and May 1, 2013, in a sector which employs 330,000 people. They secured a 4.45% wage increase over 25 months, higher than inflation.  This level could set a precedent and define the trend for the coming negotiations, notably in the automotive and iron and steel industries, where negotiations should start on April 19th.  Claims on continuous training were met, as well as exclusive appeal to certified temporary work agencies that signed the collective agreement, but not on youth minimum wage.  No less than 500 jobseekers over 45 should be hired over two years.
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th. Claims on continuous training were met, as well as exclusive appeal to certified temporary work agencies that signed the collective agreement, but not on youth minimum wage. No less than 500 jobseekers over 45 should be hired over two years.

At Tata Steel (former Corus), in the steel industry, unions and the management were also on the verge of conflict but, on April 9th, they reached an agreement in principle on the new collective agreement, with a 3.75% wage increase over two years, a €3

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