Meat industry collective labor talks reach a deadlock

The unions and employers’ association COV sat down together six times. But on 2 July, the talks broke down. Negotiations for a new collective labor agreement in the meat industry have come to a halt. The gap is simply too wide — especially when it comes to pay, permanent jobs and recognition. And the employers? They’ve put a final offer on the table and say they don’t want to continue negotiating.

Pay rise? Not for everyone

The final offer includes a 3.5% wage increase starting 1 May 2025, followed by another 1% on 1 January 2026. The agreement would cover a 14-month period, averaging out to 3.85% per year. Important detail: employees in pay scales B0, B1 and C0 would see no increase at all.

A new job classification system is set to be introduced in January 2026. A revised pay structure was also planned — that part has been postponed.

As for permanent contracts: employers are proposing to convert 2,700 temporary contracts into permanent positions. That would raise the share of permanent jobs from 30% to 50%. At the same time, Article 34c would be scrapped — the rule that currently entitles temp workers to a permanent contract after five years.

FNV says: not good enough

According to trade union FNV, the offer falls short. Not enough security. Not enough recognition. And no fair pay. What exactly is missing? For one: a wage increase that covers all pay scales. Also: at least 75% permanent staff. And a solid early retirement scheme (RVU) starting in 2026. The current arrangement runs out at the end of this year. What happens after that remains uncertain.

Employees can cast their vote until 15 August. A ‘yes’ means you accept the final offer. A ‘no’ signals that things need to improve.

Fnv.nl