TNT blasts unions as strike looms
A 24-hour postal strike could take place in the Netherlands after TNT rejected “irresponsible” demands made by the unions. The unions previously made an ultimatum to TNT to slash the number of compulsory redundancies the company was due to make.
If the number was not cut by today then the unions would push ahead with a 24-hour strike on 16 November.
The chance of industrial action could hamper the company’s efforts to successfully separate its mail and express units before a potential sell-off.
A TNT statement said: -“It is with disappointment and concern that TNT Post has taken note of the demands and the impending day of action.
“TNT Post considers that the unions’ demands are irresponsible and not feasible.
“Despite the fact that, prior to the ultimatum, TNT Post management showed the unions the financial projections of the Dutch postal company, the unions have already announced a national day of action, even before their ultimatum runs out.”
TNT Post CEO Harry Koorstra said: “TNT Post considers that the future of the postal company in the Netherlands will be compromised if the proposed reorganisation plans, these being the most recent plans offered to the unions during the latest negotiations, are not in fact pursued. The management of TNT Post considers that risk to be unacceptable.”
Overall, TNT is looking to cut job numbers by 11,000. Last month, the mail and express company said it plans to shed up to 4,500 jobs through involuntary redundancies. After discussions, Dutch unions and the works council rejected TNT Post’s last offer to reduce compulsory redundancies from 4,500 to 3,500.
