FNV says that members want, among other things, that wages increase in line with inflation and that they increase by 100 euros gross per month. “People in regional transport have to deal with a very high workload, high absenteeism and increasing staff shortages,” said FNV director Marijn van der Gaag. “We have been negotiating for a lower workload for years, but the workload and absenteeism continue to rise.”
VWOV says it has already bid more than it actually could and that the proposal is the maximum. “It is very complicated to respond to these requirements. There are a lot of them and that is not possible at all,” says Kagie. “We don’t have space.”
The chairman is not afraid of actions. “People who are now going to campaign in times of crisis are acting very irresponsibly.” According to him, companies in regional transport are still struggling with the consequences of the corona crisis, which caused less travel.
FNV has given employers until May 3 to respond and then says it will consult with members about steps to be taken. VWOV says it will come up with a response before that date.