It is an understatement: the press release from the UPTR announcing the decision of the Council of State in its favor has provoked many reactions. After the Employers’ Federation (which we reported on in our main article), Febetra and Transport and Logistiek Vlaanderen have now also emerged. To put it diplomatically: the tone is one of surprise.
“This communication not only lacks nuance, but also misrepresents the facts,” the two federations say in a message to their respective members, which we have seen. “Let’s be clear: representation in PC 226 has traditionally been in the hands of the Employers’ Federation, which is the only one authorized to sign agreements. When the allocation of direct seats to TLV, Febetra and UPTR proved unfeasible, TLV and Febetra opted for a constructive solution in 2012: thanks to our seat on the board of directors of the Employers’ Federation, we ensure that the voice of the carriers is heard. UPTR, on the other hand, opted for the legal route twice – in 2011 and in 2016 – without any results. While they continued to file lawsuits, TLV and Febetra managed to prevent the gap between the sector and the reality of the PC 226 from widening. We worked on solutions, the UPTR remained on the sidelines.
The so-called ‘major differences’ that the UPTR refers to today all predate our active participation in the negotiations: working hours, seniority leave… all of that was decided before 2012. What the UPTR conveniently forgets to mention is that TLV and Febetra have since achieved tangible results: annual indexation on January 1, harmonized agreements on purchasing power premiums and consumption vouchers, and rejection of excessive demands in terms of wage increases, fringe benefits and supplementary pensions.
That the UPTR today dares to suggest that TLV and Febetra only have a ‘symbolic presence’ is not only incorrect, but also extremely cynical. Both organizations have always left the door open for joint employee representation – together with the UPTR – as soon as this would be legally possible. In short: while the UPTR continues to shout from the sidelines, TLV and Febetra are taking their responsibility on the ground. We choose impact, not theatre.”
That’s right.
