On December 6, 2024, the Social Partners agreed on a contract renewal for employees in Logistics, Freight Transportation, and Shipping sectors. The contract agreement resulted in the cancellation of the two-day strike previously planned for December 9 and 10. Trade unions will lift reservations on the renewal agreement following a consultation with employees by January 27, 2025.
New adjustments in the contract cover various sectors including working hours, contracts, labour markets, personnel classification, combating absenteeism, and workers’ rights. Financially, the contract guarantees a standard increase of €230.00 for non-travelling employees and €260.00 for travelling staff. The compensation is to be divided into four instalments, with the first due from January 2025. An Economic Coverage Indemnity (ICE) provided for the contract holiday period will discontinue from this date.
The contract also introduced an Area Professional Element (EPA) that contributes to the overall financial increment alongside the amount on the minimum tables. The EPA is considered a pay element, affecting all the contractual and legal institutions inclusive of the Severance Indemnity Fund (TFR).
From a regulatory perspective, the contract’s scope of application has been expanded. Predictions include certain activities such as express couriers, companies involved in activities subject to general postal authorization, and moving companies. Additional activities introduced include furniture delivery and assembly in addition to logistics operations beyond the transport and freight handling sectors. The contract also updated current personnel classifications, introducing new profiles and eliminating outdated ones.
Working hours for warehouse and storage area staff, freight handlers, and internal workshop staff also saw updates. Changes allow any adjustments to the working hours at the end of each quarter rather than the semester. Accomplishing these changes no longer require agreements but will undergo a prior review with the union.
