New Collective Labour Agreement Proposals for the Heavy Metal Industry

Central Wage Increases Focus

The focus of the recently proposed employment conditions by CNV Vakmensen for the heavy metal industry is notably on improving the salary scale of employees. With a proposed wage increase of 7.5% from the summer of 2024, followed by a potential additional adjustment in early 2025, the union aims for a substantial improvement in the purchasing power of employees in this sector. This approach is supported by a nationwide survey among members, which showed that an overwhelming majority supports the proposed salary increases.

Background of Wage Demands

Arthur Bot of CNV Vakmensen highlights the need for this wage increase by pointing to the recent performance and the positive outlook of the heavy metal sector. He acknowledges a slight dip in business performance compared to the record year 2022, but assures that the industry is still in a good position. The emphasis is on the fact that employees are entitled to a fair share of the company's successes through just wage compensations.

Additional Wage Proposals

In addition to the basic salary increase, additional measures are proposed to protect the purchasing power of employees against inflation. Should inflation in 2024 exceed the threshold of 3.5%, an extra salary increase on 1 January 2025 is proposed. This mechanism ensures that employees do not fall behind in terms of living costs.

Widespread Support

The widespread support for the salary proposals within the sector underscores the urgency and importance that employees attach to fair and competitive wage conditions. This emphasis on wage increases reflects the consensus among union members on the importance of adequate financial appreciation at a time when the cost of living continues to rise.

Future Negotiations

With the first round of negotiations scheduled for 21 March, CNV Vakmensen positions these salary increases as a crucial part of the negotiations for the new collective labour agreement. The union emphasises the importance of a fair distribution of company profits among employees and sees the proposed wage increases as essential for retaining and attracting qualified personnel in the heavy metal sector.

This ambitious proposal reflects CNV Vakmensen's commitment to ensuring a substantial improvement in employment conditions, with a special focus on a significant and fair wage increase for workers in the heavy metal industry.