We would like to inform you about the current status of the upcoming collective labor agreement process and share our expectations for the period ahead.
First of all, we would like to thank everyone for the broad and valuable response to the recent member survey. The results – including clear concerns regarding the individual remuneration round – form an important foundation for the union agenda. Based on this, we are currently working on the proposal letter. This is still being coordinated with the executive group and will follow at a later date.
Start of the collective labor agreement process
As joint unions, we proposed for a second time last autumn and again at the beginning of this year to start the collective labor agreement negotiations early. Ultimately, after a period of silence, the employer Philips indicated that it had a different start date and a different trajectory in mind. It was eventually agreed that the formal collective labor agreement negotiations would take place on May 28, 2026 gets started.
Given this late start date, we have therefore explicitly addressed the point of retroactive application of the collective labour agreement wage increase. The employer has indicated that, in a technical sense, retroactive effect is not possible, but acknowledges the impact this has on employees and has pledged to resolve this effect in another way.
Greater concerns regarding compensation and employer direction
In addition to these technical aspects, however, there is a concern of a different caliber. From a recent strategy session on April 2, 2026, it became clear to us that Philips intends to focus more emphatically on more individual and performance-based remunerationThis sets the collective remuneration moreover under pressure at a time of sharply rising prices, all the more so because the financing will have to come from the same “reward box”.
At this moment, we only know this course in broad outlines. We expect more concrete information at an informal strategy session on April 28 and at the start of the formal collective labor agreement negotiations, as mentioned, on May 28. On 9 June A second collective labor agreement negotiation is still scheduled. After the summer recess, we will in september Organize a tour of the various Philips locations to speak with the employee. We will incorporate the input we gather there into the further course of the collective labor agreement process in the second half of September and, if necessary, in October.
What does this mean for the employees – and for us?
These developments make it clear that this collective labor agreement process not an easy or easy path will become. It requires a strong collective effort and great commitment from all of you to safeguard good and fair working conditions for everyone.
Naturally, we will keep you carefully and promptly informed of further developments. Together we are stronger – and that collective strength will be sorely needed in this process.
Do you have any questions about this? Then advocate Suat Koetloe would like to hear from you via suat.koetloe@unie.nl
