After the strikes at Albert Heijn, among others, trade unions FNV and CNV are now also threatening actions at Philips. The company has until Friday afternoon to respond to the demands of the unions.
“Despite several rounds of negotiations, Philips and FNV have not agreed on a new collective labor agreement,” the unions say. “If the employer does not respond to the demands of the unions before Friday afternoon, the members will take action. This would be the first time in more than twenty years that members at Philips have taken action,” says FNV.
The union has proposed a wage increase of a few percent, with a minimum of 290 euros per month. “In this way, colleagues with lower wages benefit more in proportion.” This offer was not taken up by Philips. That is why the unions now want wages to rise in line with inflation. Philips and the trade union also do not agree on how long the collective labor agreement should apply.
Pushing results onto employees
According to CNV, the unions and employer have been negotiating a new collective labor agreement for five months. “So far without results. The stumbling block is to what extent the poor results, partly due to the apnea fiasco, can be passed on to the employees,” says the union.
CNV points out that a major reorganization is underway that will cost more than 1900 jobs in the Netherlands alone. This has already resulted in savings of over 100 million euros for Philips in the first quarter. “To then also let those left behind bleed through their employment conditions is disproportionate.”
It is not yet known what any actions at Philips will look like. The company could not be reached for comment Wednesday afternoon.
READ ALSO: 300 employees are on strike at the Albert Heijn distribution center in Tilburg