FNV demonstrates in Brussels for higher European minimum wages
The EU trade unions want the few Councils to vote in favor of the European Parliament’s proposals to ensure a living wage for the 28 million people in the EU who now earn to make ends meet.
Negotiation of EU proposal minimum wages
An EU legislative proposal for living minimum wages is currently on the Brussels negotiating table. This European fair minimum wages product does not propose to introduce a single minimum wage for Europe, but does not propose national minimum wages to be met.
60% is the norm
The European Parliament believes that 60% of the median wage in a country should be the touchstone. It obliges to action if minimum wages are not. The EP also makes proposals for better protection of important trade union rights. Now it is the case that in the Council -also hide behind technical discussions to raise the minimum wage in their country, or not actually protect trade unions.
Confess
‘The Netherlands must show their colors and ensure that the minimum wage in the Netherlands is sufficient to make ends meet,’ says Petra Bolster, member of the FNV Daily Board. ‘On the table is a proposal that supports the FNV struggle for a minimum wage of 14 euros and strengthens the position of. Collective agreement by pays. And the European Parliament understands that. Tomorrow we will go to Brussels with members to show support for the EP, and to persuade the Council to adopt the proposals!’
Minimum wage must go to 14 euros in the Netherlands
The minimum wage in the Netherlands has lagged behind the rise in prosperity, resulting cleaners, home care workers, package deliverers and others can essentially get by on their wages. The European proposal states that any minimum wage tasks meet the standard to make ends meet. Bolster: ‘The current Dutch minimum wage is far too low according to the criteria of the European Parliament – it should be 14 euros per hour. The small step up that was recently promised by the cabinet is not sufficient at all.’
Strengthening the position of employment contracts
The European Parliament’s proposal also aims to improve trade union rights and industrial relations. Bolster: ‘Isn’t it too crazy for words to be fully recognized in more than half of the right to collective bargaining? And that union officials are denied access to the company. Ultimately, a collective labor agreement is the best means of achieving higher wages and better working conditions.