APM Terminals Announces Negotiation Result for Dutch Labor Agreement

APM Terminals Maasvlakte II has achieved a negotiation result on October 23 with the Dutch unions FNV and CNV on a principal agreement for a new collective labor agreement (CLA) effective January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2017.

Negotiations started in June 2013 and has led to an agreement that gives clarity to those employees currently working at the company’s Maasvlakte I facility who want to transfer to the new terminal being built which opens November 1, 2014. The new collective labor agreement matches new operating procedures, practices and functions at the new facility, which will set new standards in safety, sustainability and productivity as one of the most advanced, automated container terminals in the world.

The new agreement offers salaries adjusted for inflation each year plus wage increases of 0.5% (2015) and 1% (2016) on top of inflation, plus EUR 3600 in one-off payments over the CLA period. One of the key elements is 24/7 operations which is crucial to meet customer demands for higher productivity.

APM Terminals Maasvlakte II Managing Director, Frank Tazelaar stated: “The new CLA contains clear labor condition agreements for employees interested in transferring to our new facility. And for our customers, they know they will be able to access 24/7 operations at our terminal.”

APM Terminals has two terminals in Rotterdam: APM Terminals Maasvlakte I which is currently operating; and the new APM Terminals Maasvlakte II which is being built. The new terminal is already in the testing phase since July 2013 for new computer systems and equipment and opens November 2014.