The FNV, the Netherlands’ key trade union, is placing the bar quite high for 2011: it will bargain for 2% wage increases in all sectors, a little higher than inflation and the more reasonable claims announced by the CNV. The FNV mentioned the possibility of asking up to 3% if employers refuse to give a bit of leeway on working conditions, with flexible working time, senior employment and pensions as a priority. “The economy is starting up but the crisis isn’t behind us yet” explained Catalene Passchiers, FNV’s new director of collective bargaining. “This is why we took the middle way between claims above inflation and the improvement of working conditions, to safeguard buying power and make work more enjoyable.” The FNV published a “good work agenda” (goed-werkagenda) that lists the following priorities: job security, more security for temporary workers, increased control over overtime and promotions, more part-time (which goes against the government’s policy to bring more people to work to fund pensions). The slogan of this new campaign is “Good work pays off.” The trade unions presented their claims before Queen Beatrix presented the State budget on Tuesday, characterized by clear cuts in public spending and the lack of a new coalition government after the June 9 general election. The ongoing talks could take two more weeks.
ng more people to work to fund pensions). The slogan of this new campaign is “Good work pays off.” The trade unions presented their claims before Queen Beatrix presented the State budget on Tuesday, characterized by clear cuts in public spending and the lack of a new coalition government after the June 9 general election. The ongoing talks could take two more weeks.
Planet Labor, September 22, 2010, No. 100663 – www.planetlabor.com
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