Dear comrades,

On December 31^st 2024, the collective labor agreement (CLA) for the employees of the Rotterdam-based container company Hutchison Ports Delta II expired. Since November 2024, FNV Havens has engaged in multiple rounds of CLA negotiations, with the aim of securing a new agreement that reflects the dedication and interests of the employees at Hutchison Ports Delta II.

Uncertainty for employees
In August 2022, a statement of intent was presented by Hutchison Ports and Terminal Investment Limited (TIL) for the joint development of the Omega Project: a new container terminal in the Port of Rotterdam. This statement of intent has still not been converted into a binding agreement, creating uncertainty for the future of the employees at Hutchison Ports Delta II. For them, the CLA is the only instrument to secure structural certainty regarding their work and working conditions.

Clear CLA demands
FNV Havens has formulated clear and specific proposals during the CLA negotiations. As always, we place great importance on agreements regarding compensation in case of redundancy, inflation adjustment, and a substantial wage increase.

Negotiation outcome and missing guarantees
After months of negotiations, several important agreements were reached, including the severance pay for potential redundancies. During these negotiations, FNV Havens repeatedly insisted on obtaining a written guarantee from the shareholder, Hutchison Ports, to ensure the financial backing of the agreed-upon arrangement. This demand is not a mere formality, but a necessary condition. We cannot rely on non-binding agreements in writing without a guarantee from the shareholder. What if Delta II is unable to finance the arrangement when it becomes necessary? Then the employees will be left empty-handed!

Under pressure from our side, the employer promised a "guarantee" on January 30, 2025. FNV Havens wanted to receive this guarantee before the members' meetings on Monday, February 10, 2025, so that we could confidently state that the agreements we made actually have financial value.

However, just days before the members' meeting, the employer informed us that the shareholder, Hutchison Ports, refuses to provide a written guarantee for the severance package! The employer claims more time is needed to obtain the guarantee from the shareholder. On Monday, February 10, 2025, FNV Havens confirmed that the promised guarantee had not been delivered to the unions.

No guarantee, no deal
The management of Hutchison Ports Delta II has failed to get its affairs in order and is making promises that it does not keep. FNV Havens will not accept a CLA deal without the requested guarantees. Hutchison Ports Delta II is not fulfilling its obligations. As a result, the entire CLA deal is off the table.

Union actions and solidarity
Since the evening of Sunday, February 9 2025, there have been work stops at various times. Union members will continue to take further action to strengthen their CLA demands. FNV Havens urgently calls on our European comrades to stand in solidarity with the dock workers at Hutchison Ports Delta II in the Port of Rotterdam. Should vessels destined for Hutchison Ports Delta II reroute to other ports, we kindly request that you refrain from handling these vessels due to contaminated work.

In solidarity and determination,
On behalf of the union members of FNV Havens,

Asmae Hajjari
Union representative, FNV Havens