The Netherlands: Heineken breweries strikes set to continue

A walkout at two Heineken breweries in the Netherlands will continue into next week, following the first strike on November 20, Yahoo Finance reported.

Local FNV trade union said between 200-250 of its members are striking at breweries in Den Bosch, North Brabant, and Zoeterwoude, South Holland.

Heineken told Just Drinks: "A limited number of colleagues will go on strike."

Employees are walking out in shifts throughout today and the strikes are set to continue on 26 and 27 November, followed by further action on 2, 3 and 4 December, the FNV said.

In a statement, Heineken said: “We regret that FNV and CNV have unilaterally declared that they are 'finished with negotiations', sent us an ultimatum last week, and have chosen to proceed with disruptive course of action, versus collaboration and dialogue."

The FNV told Just Drinks it was uncertain how long the walkout would go on for, but said it would likely continue if Heineken refused to accept workers' demands.

Negotiations broke down with the Orchard Thieves cider producer last month, the FNV said, as the company did not offer workers any "improvements".

Heineken said it "has repeatedly adjusted its offer on issues such as salary, leave, and schedules, without any counterproposal from the unions".

The Amstel brewer has proposed a 5.5% salary increase across two years. FNV members, however, have called for a 7% hike.

The union also criticised the brewer's plans to reduce the level of benefits paid to employees working on weekends.

"We will only start talks with Heineken again if they are willing to meet our demands," FNV said.

Heineken said it had also agreed to continue its Early Retirement Scheme and that it "wants to take steps regarding work schedules".

It added: "We are disappointed by the actions of the unions, including no counter-offer and walking away from the negotiation table. As far as we are concerned, we were still in active discussions, and we invite the unions to return to the negotiating table as soon as possible."

The Tiger beer maker told Just Drinks it didn't expect the strike to impact "beer supply in the market".

"What is most important is that we reach an agreement with the unions so that we can quickly get back to doing what we do best, which is making beer."

Beers brewed in Zoeterwoude include the company's flagship beer, Heineken 0.0m Amstel and Sol.

The Den Bosch site produces Affligem Blond and Wit, Red Stripe, Murphy's Irish stout, Amstel 0.0, and Lagunitas IPA, among others.

Last week, Heineken announced plans to invest €45m ($47.5m) in a global research-and-development site in Zoeterwoude called the Dr. H.P. Heineken Centre.

It is expected to focus on “innovation” for brands such as Heineken, Desperados and Amstel, the brewing giant said.

Set to open in mid-2025, the centre will cover an area of 8,800 square meters and will employ staff from 12 countries.

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