The current collective labor agreement expired on May 1, 2024, and negotiations have so far come to nothing. ‘Employees in the brick industry are lagging behind inflation and therefore want a fair wage offer from their employers,’ says FNV director Yolanda Reus. ‘Employers withdrew an offer of 2x 3.5% wage increases in 15 months, to make a final offer that was much worse: 4.25 percent with a term of 12 months. That offer was rejected en masse by our members, which is why we are now issuing this ultimatum.’
The demands of FNV:
A one-year collective labor agreement with a term from May 1, 2024 to May 1, 2025.
As of May 1, 2024, an increase of 4.75% in the scale and actual salaries, plus an increase of € 100 in the scale and actual salaries.
Introduction of automatic price compensation: From 1 May 2025, an annual structural increase through the application of an automatic price compensation system.
Actions
An earlier poster action and strike threat had no effect, but now the workers have really had enough, says Reus. ‘Workers in the brick industry do not strike easily, but if the employers let this ultimatum expire, I think there will be actions soon.’
1,500 people work in the Dutch brick industry
