Negotiations between employers and unions in the private bus and coach sector about granting a purchasing power premium have not yielded any results. This is what Erik Maes of the socialist transport union BTB says. The unions will decide on Thursday whether to take action.
This concerns bus drivers who, for example, work for leaseholders of De Lijn (about half of all drivers of the public transport company), provide school transport or are active in the coach sector. The unions demand a purchasing power premium of 250 euros for them if their employer is profitable.
Employers who are doing well in 2022 can pay their staff such a one-off premium in consumption vouchers. It may amount to 500 or even 750 euros. The federal government approved the measure as compensation for the fact that the wage standard in 2023 and 2024 does not leave room for additional wages on top of the index.
“Requirements too strict”
According to Maes, employers want to apply too strict conditions to awarding consumption vouchers in the private bus and coach sector. “It would be a higher amount, but the requirements would be so strict that we fear that almost no one is entitled to it,” he says.
The unions previously threatened to take action. New consultations have therefore not led to an agreement. The socialist, Christian and liberal unions will consult their supporters early next week. They will meet together on Thursday to decide on possible actions. According to Maes, there is already a good chance that actions will be taken.
Free unlimited access to Showbytes? Which can!
Log in or create an account and never miss anything from the stars.