FNV union demands 5.5% pay rises to tackle high inflation

The FNV union, the Netherlands' largest labour union, has urged employers to grant a 5.5% pay raise during the upcoming pay round to counteract the effects of high inflation. This demand was announced on Monday as part of the regular lead-up to the opening of parliament and Budget Day.

In addition to the pay increase, the union is also pushing for a flat monthly payment of €80 for all workers to better support low earners. Inflation currently stands at 3.3%, having increased in August, according to the government's statistics agency CBS. Union representative Jacqie van Stigt noted that inflation is on the rise while productivity continues to grow, companies are enjoying substantial profits, and the labor market remains tight.

Another major union, the CNV, has also indicated it will seek pay rises between 3% and 5.5% next year, alongside a higher travel allowance of 25 cents per kilometer. The FNV has called for stricter rules to ensure employees are consulted on the use of AI in the workplace, fearing that its use may be causing additional pressure on workers and providing companies with an excuse to reduce staff.

The union has also announced that cleaning staff have initiated a week-long strike in protest against a pay deal between employers and the CNV union, a deal that 80% of FNV members have rejected. The strike involves staff at Schiphol airport and railway stations. The union is urging employers to return to the negotiating table to address their demands, which include maintaining pay for sick employees and ensuring equal rates for hotel cleaners.

Union spokeswoman Carolien Lambers emphasized that they will persist until the pay negotiations are reopened and their concerns are adequately addressed.