FNV threatens largest strike ever in dairy sector

Tensions surrounding the dairy collective labor agreement continue to rise. FNV is threatening a nationwide strike at producers of milk, cheese, yogurt, and infant formula. According to the union, it could become the largest strike ever within the Dutch dairy industry. The Nederlandse Zuivel Organisatie (NZO) has until Tuesday, May 26 at 12:00 p.m. to reach an agreement on a new collective labor agreement. If that does not happen, industrial action will follow.

Collective labor talks at a standstill

According to FNV director Edwin Martirosian, negotiations have been deadlocked for months. “We have been trying for months to reach a fair collective labor agreement with the Nederlandse Zuivel Organisatie, but they are not moving even an inch in our direction.”

The union wants a one-year agreement running through April 2027. Employees are demanding at least a 4 percent wage increase. In addition, FNV wants agreements on automatic compensation when prices rise. According to the union, employers are unwilling to offer more than a 3 percent salary increase. Martirosian also pointed to differences within the sector. “At the major dairy companies, executives are receiving substantial bonuses, while there is not even a decent pay raise left for the people on the factory floor.”

More demands from employees

In addition to higher wages, employees are asking for increased shift allowances. A four-day workweek is also on the wish list. FNV is also pushing for permanent contracts for employees performing structural work. The union is further calling for better travel expense compensation, the right to disconnect outside working hours, and measures to tackle unpaid overtime.

Gate actions at multiple companies

FNV has already organized several gate actions at different dairy companies. Employees gathered at FrieslandCampina locations in Leeuwarden, Nuenen, Meppel, Borculo, Beilen, and Maasdam. Actions also took place at Ausnutria, DOC Kaas, Lactalis, and Vreugdenhil. Another gate action is scheduled at Danone in Haps.

According to FNV, around 85,000 people work in the Dutch dairy industry. Approximately 12,000 of them are directly employed by dairy processing companies.

Fnv.nl