THE NETHERLANDS – Employees of Dutch dairy group Friesland Coberco have been striking this week, after rejecting a pay offer.

Workers at 11 Friesland Coberco plants across the Netherlands began striking on Sunday after the FNV and CNV unions did not agree with Dutch dairy organisation NZO on a new wages and working conditions agreement.

FNV and CNV demanded a 7% wage increase for the workers over two years. Dairy employers were only prepared to offer a 6.25% rise.

The unions said that supermarket milk supply would not be affected by the action, as some plants were still operating. Workers at dairy co-operative Campina are also expected to strike.