All the strikes in the Netherlands in recent months in the various sectors have caused the number of members to grow sharply.
CNV Vakmensen and KNV Zorgtransport en Taxi may have agreed on a new collective labor agreement, but trade union FNV continues the strikes. According to FNV, the fact that there is still a strike emphasizes the seriousness of the situation. The union is even threatening a multi-day strike in January to force employers to meet the demands and continues to call on members to strike to let the employer know they are dissatisfied with working conditions, wages and working conditions.
The biggest annoyance for the drivers, who provide transport for thousands of people every day, are the regulations regarding absenteeism. Every time they call in sick, they don't get paid for a day. After that, they only receive part of their wages.
On the other hand, there are travelers who are not so happy with the strikes. FNV denounces KNV's attitude to the strikes, claiming that the drivers were striking over the backs of vulnerable passengers. According to Pupils Interest in Secondary Special Education (LBVSO), there is less and less understanding among parents for the striking drivers. Understandable in itself, because parents of children are also indirectly affected by the actions.
"There is a good chance that there will be a multi-day strike in January. Our members fervently hope that it does not have to come to that. The employers have it in their own hands"
Trade union FNV does not hide it. All the strikes in the Netherlands in recent months in the various sectors have caused the number of members to grow sharply. It is normal in itself that it is possible that a strike can bring new members to a union, because people who feel solidarity with the goals of the strike may join the union as members. This may be especially the case if the strike is successful and the union is able to improve the working conditions and rights of the workers.
There may be more strike action when inflation is high because workers may feel that their wages are not enough to cover their costs. If inflation rises rapidly, it can cause the value of money to decrease, which can lead to lower real wages for workers. This can lead to dissatisfaction and frustration among workers and can contribute to a greater willingness to strike in order to raise wages.
On the other hand, strikes can also lead to a decrease in membership if some people disagree with the strike or if the strike leads to conflicts with the employer or other employees. It is therefore difficult to predict whether going on strike will lead to an increase or decrease in union membership in the long term. In any case, as long as there is a willingness to strike among the members, it can count on the support of the unions.
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FNV has even started an action. Invite your colleagues, friends or family to become a member as well, and you will receive 10 euros from the union as a thank you. Due to inflation, it is more necessary than ever to fight together for higher wages, according to FNV. Negotiations for a new Collective Labor Agreement Municipalities/SGO 2023 have been suspended this week. It is particularly stuck on wages and there is also an ultimatum in the making.
Even on perhaps the busiest shopping days of the year, employees of the Bijenkorf threaten to go on strike. They will stop work on December 23 and 24 (including Christmas Eve) if the management does not come up with a reasonable wage increase. The FNV calls on Hema employees not to simply agree to a different package of employment conditions. On the day that Hema turns the country upside down by selling sex toys, the retail chain is putting the interests of its employees on sale for the umpteenth time, according to FNV.
