France
The CFDT Interco federation has called for a day of action on 11 March, including strikes, over continuing problems in the childcare sector. The union says that there are problems with oversubscribed crèches, inadequately trained staff and a mix of different of different providers. It is calling for a limit on the number of children in relation to staff and proper training and professional status for childcare workers.
Read more at > CFDT Interco (FR)
Following a national day of action on 18 June, workers in childcare, playgroups and after-school care will begin a campaign of industrial action in the Netherlands from 23 June. Different workplaces will be targeted at different times and various forms of strikes and other industrial action will be organised. The action is over excessive workloads and has been launched following the failure of the BMK and BK employer organisations to respond to an ultimatum from the FNV trade union. The union is warning that employees’ wellbeing is under threat and the quality of service will be compromised if
The VPÖD/SSP public services union is considering what action it can take to improve the pay and conditions of childcare workers. It argues that the responsibilities and physical strains of the job are not properly recognised. The union notes the success of ver.di last year in its campaign to win higher pay and improved working conditions for childcare workers and meetings at the end of April in Zürich and Bern will discuss strategy with contributions from colleagues in ver.di. [Read more at > VPOD (DE)->http://www.vpod.ch/aktuell/nachrichten/ansicht/article/kitas-unsere-arbeit-ist-mehr-wert
Several unions representing workers in early years education came together on 5 May in a day of strike action and a demonstration in Brussels. Workers are angry about the impact of the pandemic on the sector and the failure of the authorities in the Wallonia and Brussels regions to address their concerns. The unions were also demanding a revaluation of pay in the sector and a range of other measures to deal with staffing issues, leave, contracts and increased public funding.
