Mainfreight staff in Ostend slow down as demand for higher wages

A spontaneous strike has even broken out in the same company in Genk. This was learned from trade union secretary Birger Victor (BTB-ABVV). Mainfreight has four sites in our country, in Ostend, Zwijnaarde, Genk and Evergem, and according to Victor it cannot be ruled out that protests will also take place in the other two locations. “We have been negotiating with the employer about a wage increase for months,” says the trade unionist.

Staff hard to find

“People have made great efforts during the corona crisis. This sector has continued to work, under difficult circumstances. We would like to see a financial bonus for the efforts made by the employees. Moreover, life is becoming more expensive for everyone, prices are rising. “

According to Victor, the management has made a proposal to increase the wages of the workers on an annual basis by about 150 euros net, and those of the white-collar workers by 90 euros net. “That is insufficient,” says the trade unionist, who emphasizes that the trade unions are asking for a solution and always want to sit down at the table. “But the ball is now in the board’s court.”

The union secretary also notes that other companies in the sector are willing to make an effort for the employees. “And don’t forget that many companies in the sector are looking for people. It’s not easy to find people, so companies have every interest in trying to retain employees.”