The Netherlands – In the midst of preparations for Sinterklaas and Christmas, Dutch supermarkets may face major disruptions as trade unions CNV and FNV threaten strikes over a wage dispute. Frustrated by what they consider an inadequate final offer from supermarket employers, the unions are mobilizing workers to take action if demands are not met.
Employers associated with the VGL collective bargaining agreements in the food industry recently proposed a 3% wage increase beginning in January 2024. However, CNV and FNV are demanding significantly more: CNV requested a 6.5% raise, while FNV proposed a 6% increase plus a 25-euro nominal hourly rate.
According to Jacqueline Twerda, director at CNV, the 3% proposal is “nowhere near enough” to preserve workers' purchasing power, leading her to conclude that the union has “no choice” but to reject the offer. FNV negotiator Michiel Al echoed this stance, cautioning that the traditional holiday shopping experience might be affected if supermarket operations are impacted by strikes: “Getting your Christmas meal could be a lot more difficult this year.”
Beyond wage increases, the unions are also calling for changes in the wage structure for young employees, advocating that 18- to 20-year-olds receive the adult minimum wage rather than the lower youth wage. FNV is further pushing for more solid agreements around ensuring safe working conditions for supermarket employees.
As the busy festive season approaches, the threat of strikes looms over supermarkets, raising concerns about potential impacts on holiday shopping across the Netherlands.
