Dockworkers from FNV Havens win improved pay and conditions after bringing Port of Rotterdam to standstill with biggest ever strike.
Concerted strike action by lashers from International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) affiliate, FNV Havens, has won a new agreement which will guarantee the safety, health and pay of lashers now and in the future.
The lashers’ organising and action, the biggest ever seen in the Port of Rotterdam – Europe’s busiest and largest port – brought the port to a standstill last week.
After 10 companies sought to ban the strike in the Dutch courts, it was instead ruled that lashers were to return to work for four days this week while negotiations for an agreement were renewed.
By last night – Thursday – an agreement in principle was reached with employers International Lashing Services B.V. and Matrans B.V.. FNV members approved the agreement today, bringing the strike to a successful end: the lashers’ won a 17 to 20 percent pay rise over the next three years, in addition to agreements on safe work and making lashing more attractive for young people.
“With this new agreement, won through our workers’ collective organising and strength, FNV Havens members have made lashing in the Netherlands a safer industry now and in the future,” said Niek Stam, FNV Havens leader and ITF Dockers’ Section First Vice Chair. (....)