There are a number of key issues that are the focus of collective bargaining in both provincial and municipal government – purchasing power, employment, violence at work, career development and employment policies that take account of personal circumstances – such as parental leave, telework etc. Negotiations with provincial employers have made progress on the last two while working groups have been set up in the municipal negotiations to discuss these issues. The issue of pay is likely to be the toughest to negotiate with employers claiming that they have little room to manoeuvre as a result of the economic crisis and rising pension costs.
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Unions disappointed by latest pay offer in provincial government
Negotiations covering workers in provincial government have been suspended after unions reacted with disappointment to the employers' latest pay offer of 6% over 24 months. The unions say that after several years of moderate pay increases, workers deserve higher pay and a share of growth in the economy. The unions are aiming for a 7.25% increase over two years and argue that the employers should acknowledge the work that the unions have done in relation to a revised job structure and harmonisation of allowances.
Provincial government negotiations begin
After its first round of negotiations with provincial government employers, public service trade union ABVAKABO says that two issues have been settled – the agreement will run for 12 months and arrangements for reducing working time for older workers have been clarified. However, the next bargaining rounds could be more difficult. The union says that it might make concessions on pay in order to increase job security and get improved training and career development opportunities. In contrast, it appears that the employers are looking for a pay freeze, a few minor technical changes to conditions
Local and provincial government dispute continues
Workers in local and provincial government are continuing their industrial action to win better pay offers from the employers. The action involves a range of short stoppages by different groups of workers across the country. A key demand of the unions is that municipal and provincial workers should be treated the same as other workers and get the increase in purchasing power negotiated as part of the national, cross-sectoral social accord. Unions argue that a pay freeze over the next two years will leave workers 6% worse off in terms of purchasing power. [Read more at > FNV Abvakabo (NL)->http