TNT Post consider unions’ position irresponsible

Various TNT Post proposals rejected

7 December 2010 at 18:05 CET – The Hague – TNT Post and the Abvakabo FNV, CNV Publieke Zaak, and BVPP unions have once again been carrying out intensive discussions over the last two days. Abvakabo FNV and CNV Publieke Zaak have rejected the company’s far reaching proposals and are set to go ahead with the strike announced for this week.

BVPP had already stated that it would not undertake any further industrial action and that it would present TNT Post’s proposals to its members.

TNT Post’s proposals

TNT Post initially offered a solution that would provide all parties involved clarity for some time to come. TNT Post was prepared to extend the current collective agreement, which expires at the end of 2011, to the end of 2013. The extended agreement would include a wage increase of 0.5% in 2012 and 1% in 2013. At the same time, the original 3,100 compulsory redundancies would be brought down to 2,550 and another 300 employees would keep their jobs temporarily. The CNV Publieke Zaak and Abvakabo FNV unions were not prepared, however, to bring future collective agreements into the picture when looking for a solution. The BVPP unions has stated that it is prepared to present the proposal to its members.

TNT then presented a new proposal, offering to bring the number of compulsory redundancies down from 3,100 to 2,800 by creating jobs at the new “Auto Unit” and through TNT Post Parcel Service. The company also offered to increase the involvement of assisted reemployment agency TNT Mobility so as to further minimise the number of employees needing to claim unemployment benefit, reducing this number by 500. Another 300 employees would keep their jobs temporarily.

In addition, TNT Post proposed that, working together with external parties, it would help even more employees move on to a new job.

In spite of the fact that the unions have repeatedly endorsed the need for cost saving measures, we are disappointed to find that they have rejected all these proposals.

This not only means that the uncertainty among our employees will be drawn out even longer, it also means that our customers are left in suspense during this most important December month, with all the ensuing consequences.

How to proceed from here

TNT Post feels that the position taken by the Abvakabo and CNV Publieke Zaak unions is irresponsible and calls on them to seriously reconsider the proposals. TNT Post is now considering its options in this new situation.