PostNL strikes agreement with Dutch unions on higher wages

(Reuters) -Dutch postal firm PostNL said on Tuesday it had reached an agreement in principle with two trade unions that would see postal wages rise 8% over two years.

PostNL said the agreement with the Bond van Post Personeel and CNV trade unions, covering nearly 16,500 mail deliverers, included a structural pay rise of 4% effective from Jan. 1 2022, to be paid retrospectively as soon as the agreement is final, and a further 4% hike on Jan. 1 2023.

The company said it had also reached a negotiated agreement with the FNV union.

“Rising prices are hitting our people where it hurts and we feel that raising their pay is an appropriate response under current conditions,” PostNL’s Mail in the Netherlands Director Bob van Ierland said in a statement.

“Besides, this should also ensure that – in view of current labour shortages – it remains attractive for people to choose a job as a postie,” he added.

Bicycle, travel and electric vehicle charging allowances have also been agreed, the company said, with the latter to be revisited and adjusted when appropriate – twice yearly in the context of rising energy prices.

The company said this agreement would take the compensation for starting postal workers above the legal minimum wage. Results from a trade union member consultation are expected on May 25.

(Reporting by Sarah MorlandEditing by Edmund Blair and Mark Potter)