Truck drivers have launched strike action at two Albert Heijn distribution centres in Pijnacker and Zaandam, with the aim of 'shutting down' both facilities for a period of 24 hours in a dispute over working conditions.
According to the FNV Transport & Logistiek union, this is the fourth such action by drivers, following three previous strikes by UPS drivers.
Some 150 drivers are involved in today's strike, it added, with distribution centres in Nieuwegein, Pijnacker, Tilburg and Zaandam affected.
Wage Increase
The union is demanding a 3.5% wage increase, backdated to 1 January 2021, as well as improvements to working conditions, such as the inclusion of heating and air conditioning in their cabins.
The FNV is seeking to forge agreements with employers about a new, catch-all work scheme, which must take effect on 1 January 2022.
A previous collective labour agreement expired at the end of 2019 and was extended to the start of this year.
'Vital Profession'
"Employees are fed up. These people have a vital profession," commented Willem Dijkhuizen, FNV Transport & Logistiek director. "They have a tough job. The sector is doing fine. It is time for staff to get what they are entitled to."
Other actions have also been planned, FNV said, with a national event set to take place in the Utrecht region on 12 April.
"We are going to continue this action with strikes at other distribution centres," added Dijkhuizen.
© 2021 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Stephen Wynne-Jones. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
