NS raises the wage offer and the unions postpone escalation!
The CNV and VVMC unions decided to present the final offer made by the Dutch railway company NS to their members and announced the suspension of strikes and protest actions for the time being. In contrast, the FNV union has not yet announced its final position on the offer.
"Wim Eilert", the chairman of the VVMC union, stated that the board has decided to discuss the proposal with the members and temporarily suspend the procedures. "Hank Youngsma" from the CNV union confirmed the same decision, noting that suspending strikes is common until the members vote on the proposal.
For its part, the FNV union expressed its disappointment with the offer made by NS. It stated that it would consult with its members over the coming weeks, during which time strikes would be suspended. The official, "Henry Jansen," said that it is not just about wages, but also about the right of workers in strenuous professions to retire early, which the offer does not provide a solution for.
NS Company has made a new final offer aimed at ending the ongoing months-long conflict over wages and working conditions. The offer includes a wage increase and improvements to the system for workers in strenuous professions who wish to retire early. The latest offer included raising the proposed wage increase from 3.25% to 4% starting March 1, 2025, followed by an additional increase of 2.75% on March 1, 2026. Thus, the total increase over the duration of the agreement reaches 6.75%, averaging 3.4% annually.
Despite four and a half months of negotiations, NS and the unions have not yet reached a final agreement on the new collective agreement, prompting workers to carry out a series of strikes and escalating actions.