Friesland’s bus Washers Demand Urgent Action Amid Poor Working Conditions
The province of friesland and transport carrier Qbuzz are under pressure to address the dire working conditions faced by bus washers,a group of vulnerable employees responsible for cleaning and refueling buses during late-night shifts. the CNV trade union has issued urgent letters to both parties, demanding immediate improvements to ensure fair treatment and better working environments for these workers.
A Vulnerable Workforce Overlooked
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The acquisition of Friesland’s bus transport by Qbuzz has been marred by start-up problems,with the plight of bus washers receiving little attention. According to Jan Kampherbeek, a CNV negotiator, “This is a group of vulnerable employees, who are now being controlled by cleaning company HSU.”
The union highlights that many bus washers are offered uncertain temporary contracts, with changing hours and unpredictable schedules. Kampherbeek adds, “HSU makes a game of it, we are angry about that. We have been asking for this as November and now want the province and Qbuzz to take action.”
Joint Responsibility for Change
The CNV has outlined specific action points in its letters,urging the province and Qbuzz to make concrete agreements by 1 February.Kampherbeek emphasizes, “As a client, the province and Qbuzz are jointly responsible that HSU treats the cleaners in a neat way, with permanent contracts and better schedules. given the background of the bus washers, we also think that the province has an extra responsibility to protect this group.”
Unsafe and Unhealthy Working Conditions
Currently, bus washers are forced to work in abandoned industrial areas in Drachten and Leeuwarden, frequently enough exposed to harsh weather conditions. Kampherbeek describes the situation as “not a healthy working habitat, cold and wet.” The union is calling for covered workspaces or indoor facilities to ensure safer and more pleasant conditions.
Key Demands at a glance
| Issue | Demand |
|—————————-|—————————————————————————-|
| Contracts | Permanent contracts instead of temporary ones |
| Schedules | Stable and predictable working hours |
| Working Conditions | Covered or indoor workspaces to protect from harsh weather |
| Responsibility | Province and Qbuzz to ensure HSU complies with fair labor practices |
A Call to Action
The CNV’s demands underscore the urgent need for Friesland and Qbuzz to step up and protect the rights of bus washers. Kampherbeek’s plea is clear: “We want the province and Qbuzz to ensure better working conditions, so that the cleaners can do it in a cover or preferably.”
As the 1 February deadline approaches, all eyes are on the province and Qbuzz to take meaningful action. The bus washers of Friesland deserve better, and it’s time for their voices to be heard.
For more insights into the challenges faced by transport workers, visit Transport Online.
Urgent Calls for Better Working Conditions for Friesland’s Bus Washers: An Expert Interview
The province of Friesland and transport carrier Qbuzz are under mounting pressure to address the dire working conditions faced by bus washers, a group of vulnerable employees responsible for cleaning and refueling buses during late-night shifts. The CNV trade union has issued urgent demands for immediate improvements, emphasizing the need for fair treatment and better working environments. To delve deeper into this pressing issue, we spoke with Dr. Ingrid van der Meer, a labor rights expert specializing in transport sector employment.
The overlooked Vulnerabilities of Bus Washers
Editor: Dr. van der Meer,can you provide some context on why bus washers in friesland are considered a vulnerable workforce?
Dr. van der Meer: Certainly. The acquisition of Friesland’s bus transport by Qbuzz has been plagued by start-up problems, and the plight of bus washers has largely been ignored. Many of these workers are employed thru temporary contracts with changing hours and unpredictable schedules. This instability leaves them in a precarious situation, compounded by their work ofen being carried out in unsafe environments.
Joint Responsibility for addressing the Crisis
Editor: The CNV has emphasized the joint responsibility of the province and Qbuzz. Can you elaborate on this?
Dr. van der Meer: Absolutely. The CNV has made it clear that both the province and Qbuzz must ensure that HSU, the cleaning company, treats its workers fairly. This includes providing permanent contracts and stable schedules. As the client, Qbuzz and the province have a moral obligation to enforce fair labor practices and protect this vulnerable group.
unsafe Working Environments and the Need for Change
Editor: The bus washers are reportedly working in abandoned industrial areas in Drachten and Leeuwarden, exposed to harsh weather. What are the implications of such conditions?
Dr. van der Meer: Working in such environments is both physically and mentally taxing. Exposure to harsh weather without proper protection can lead to health issues and reduced productivity. The CNV is right to demand covered workspaces or indoor facilities. These changes are not just about comfort but about ensuring the safety and well-being of the workers.
Key Demands and the Path Forward
Editor: What are the specific demands being made, and how urgent is their implementation?
Dr.van der meer: The CNV has outlined clear demands: permanent contracts, stable schedules, better working conditions, and accountability from the province and qbuzz.These demands are urgent,as the current situation is unsustainable. The 1 february deadline set by the CNV underscores the need for immediate action.without swift intervention, the well-being of these workers will continue to deteriorate.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
the plight of Friesland’s bus washers highlights systemic issues in the transport sector that require immediate attention. As Dr. van der Meer emphasizes, the responsibility lies with both the province and Qbuzz to enforce fair labor practices and improve working conditions. The CNV’s demands are not just reasonable but necessary to ensure the dignity and safety of these essential workers. it’s time for their voices to be heard and for meaningful change to be enacted.
