Dutch unions are demanding a 10% wage increase in the freight transportation industry. In addition, they have called for wages to be tied to inflation levels in the future so that they grow at the same pace as inflation, according to the industry portal Nieuwsbald Transport.
These demands are based on the need to improve purchasing power, as unions believe that wages in the transport sector are far below market standards.
"Too often, our members have to work overtime to make ends meet," said the FNV union.
CNV predicts that inflation between 2022 and 2024 will reach approximately 16%.
"To strengthen purchasing power, wages should rise another 10% in 2024," emphasizes the union.
Collective negotiations are expected to take place at the end of October. In total, unions are negotiating new working conditions for around 160,000 workers.
Wage increases and road safety The Belgian BTB-ABVV union also highlighted the need for wage increases. The organization urged the government and employers to support changes that, in their view, will not only drastically improve conditions for truck drivers but also make roads safer for all road users.
According to the union, the business models of the transport sector have become unsustainable, leading to labor market abuses. Experts argue that poor working conditions make roads less safe.
"Poor conditions force drivers to take huge risks just to make ends meet. While this may make sense for the narrow interests of corporate shareholders, it's a disaster for everyone else," said Frank Morils, head of BTB-ABVV.
Examples of this, he said, can be seen in countries like Australia, Brazil, and Canada, where appropriate labor conditions for drivers have led to improved road safety.
The union's appeal is part of a coordinated call for governments and stakeholders in the sector to make roads safer. Frank Morils noted that raising truck drivers' wages by 10% leads to a 30% reduction in road accidents.