Rotterdam dockers vote to strike - give us jobs until 2022, or else

Time:2016-01-06 Browse:74 Author:RISINGSUN
ROTTERDAM dockers have voted unanimously to strike in the new year to fight against the prospect of massive job loss in Europe`s largest and rapidly automating seaport, reports Lloyd`s List.

Talks between the FNV Havens union and the port broke down in November over employee concerns that increased automation at Rotterdam`s container facilities, particularly at the new Maasvalkte2 development, will lead to up to 800 layoffs by next year.

FN-Havens` members rejected the employer`s final offer of a job guarantee through to July 1, 2020 in a ballot that took place at the end of last week.

The union reportedly wants job security until 2022 for all permanently employed on January 1, 2015. This is a comedown from previous demands for jobs till 2025.

The Port of Rotterdam Authority has until today, January 6, to respond after which a strike becomes inevitable, said the union.

"If they did not respond positively, we will introduce tough action in and around the container companies," said FNV union leader Niek Stam.