Over the past period, we have informed our members about the discussions regarding a new social plan for the coming years. These are important discussions, because developments within Achmea will not stand still in the coming years. Consider the consequences of AI, developments within the pension business, and the relocation of the head office to Apeldoorn.
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In the last update, we expressed the expectation that there would be 'white smoke' following last Monday's meeting. Unfortunately, this is not the case. In principle, there is agreement on extending the old social plan essentially unchanged. However, no agreement has yet been reached regarding the travel time criteria for redundancy in the event of a change of location and the compensation for the average salary system (within the framework of the WTP). We would like to provide an explanation regarding this.
Travel time criteria
Achmea has made various proposals to amend the existing agreements. In doing so, they intend to take into account the number of office days compared to working from home and/or the mode of transport employees (train or car). This is and remains a complex discussion, as many variations are conceivable.
Moreover, it has become apparent that the consultation process between the Works Council and Achmea regarding the relocation of the head office to Apeldoorn was based on the current arrangement. As far as we are concerned, this means that we cannot simply change the current agreements.
It has been agreed that we will first consult with the Works Council to gain more clarity on this matter.
Pension compensation (WTP)
Achmea is of the opinion that any form of compensation for employees who must leave the company before the transition date is 'optional'. Nevertheless, it is willing to compensate the employees (partially) on the transition date with a one-off payment. If there is also a form of compensation with a potential new employer (or in an unemployment benefit situation), the employees would not be eligible for this.
De Unie thinks fundamentally differently about that. The main reasons for this are:
- In the context of a reorganization, employees do not choose to leave the company of their own accord. It is Achmea's responsibility to adequately compensate employees for this, even if it concerns future pension losses.
Moreover, Achmea itself is also 'in control'. Is it strictly necessary to reorganize before the transition date, or is it better to wait until just after the transition date? In the latter case, the compensation takes place in a single lump sum from the fund's assets. In that case, there is no disadvantage for the employees concerned and no (extra) costs for Achmea. - We consider excluding compensation when a form of compensation exists elsewhere to be complicated and unnecessary. The likelihood that such compensation is of the same level is extremely small. Achmea has a good pension scheme. Furthermore, the compensation under an insured scheme (grandfathering clause) at a potential new employer is not comparable. In addition, we must realize that the compensation offered by Achmea is not genuine pension compensation (unfortunately, this is not possible) and therefore results in a less favorable tax outcome.
Partly as a result of the introduction of the WTP, pension costs for Achmea have decreased significantly in recent years. With this realization, Achmea should approach this issue generously and resolve it fully. Employees who lose their jobs shortly before the transition date (which is already unpleasant enough) would then not be hit extra hard. Achmea has that moral duty — or at least, that is what we believe.
The sequel
Following consultation with the Works Council, negotiations will continue on Thursday, May 7. As far as we are concerned, choices must be made then. After that, it is up to the members to give their opinion.
Contact
Do you have questions about this message or would you like to let us know what you think of it? Then send a message to huug.brinkers@unie.nl.
Finally, a general appeal
The trade union federation for professionals, the VCP, has launched a petition to protest against this cabinet's austerity plans for social security. De Unie is a member of the VCP. You can support this protest by this online petition to draw.
