Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Workers at CNH’s Antwerp branch began a strike on January 10, 2025, over bonus disparities. They blocked truck access and disrupted operations.
A strike has begun at the Antwerp branch of Case New Holland (CNH), an agricultural machinery company. Workers went on strike on January 10, 2025, and the strike is expected to continue into January 11. CNH management has confirmed the strike but has not said how many of the 1,000 employees are participating.
The strike is happening because workers are frustrated about the difference in profit-sharing bonuses between CNH’s two main sites in Belgium. Employees at the Zedelgem branch received a bonus of €1,900, while those in Antwerp only got €1,300. This gap has caused dissatisfaction among the Antwerp workers, leading to the strike.
How will the CNH Antwerp strike affect labour relations?
The differences in bonuses have created tension between the CNH locations, with Antwerp workers feeling undervalued compared to those in Zedelgem. This strike reflects ongoing issues at CNH, which has previously faced problems with working conditions and pay. It has been said that the action in Antwerp could affect the company’s operations at the port and might influence how labour relations are managed at other branches in Belgium. Workers are calling for fairer treatment.
Workers set up a picket line at the entrance on Wilmarsdonksteenweg at the strike. This has blocked truck access to the facility, disrupting operations and showing the workers’ determination. CNH management has acknowledged the strike, stating they are in discussions and will avoid making the situation worse.
Authorities mentioned that the picket line and blocked trucks show how serious the workers are about wanting to change this situation. The ABVV Metal union, which represents the workers, hasn’t made any public statements yet on how this strike ends could have a big impact on labor relations at CNH in Belgium.
