Last week we sent you feedback about not signing the collective labor agreement. This raised questions for some employees and we understand that. That is why we would like to provide an additional explanation of the latest collective labor agreement process and what we still have to do in the near future.
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More involvement of all employees in the collective labor agreement
The agreement with Achmea is that we would ask all employees what they consider important terms of employment and that all employees would also be consulted about the result. In addition, De Unie indicated that they would only sign the collective labor agreement if a (preferably a large) majority of all employees would support it.
Propose De Unie originated from employees' wishes
There were 'round table discussions' and a survey was held among all Achmea employees. The results of this were published in a report drawn up by an independent agency. 's collective labor agreement proposals De Unie were based on the findings of this report, including:
- A wish for a suitable salary increase
- The wish to be able to continue working for 36 hours (4×9)
- Maintaining the accrual of future pension
More information about our proposals/principles can be found on our website.
Still no employee consultation about the collective labor agreement
Unfortunately, during the negotiations it already became clear that fellow unions had objections to an employee consultation about a collective labor agreement result that had yet to be achieved. Contrary to the agreements made, Achmea therefore decided to refrain from this employee consultation.
Improvements compared to Achmea's initial proposal
Unfortunately, after an intensive negotiation process, it was not possible to reach an agreement in principle. Achmea eventually made a final offer to the unions. This final offer contains a number of improvements compared to Achmea's proposals at the start of the negotiations:
- For example, Achmea has increased their original wage offer
- Has the transitional arrangement for a 34-hour working week been extended by one year (so that employees can decide themselves to continue working for 36 hours during the term of the new collective labor agreement),
- Will the decision to no longer work 4×9 be evaluated during the term of the collective labor agreement?
- Is the originally desired intervention in the pension scheme slightly less severe than Achmea originally wanted?
- Has the climate budget become more generous?
De Unie disagree………and yet there is a collective labor agreement
Among the members of De Unie was just short of a majority for the final offer. The consultations with fellow unions were also exciting. There was a narrow majority there. This made the new collective labor agreement for Achmea a reality. Despite the lack of 'broad support' for this collective labor agreement.
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work of De Unie remains important
Does that mean the role of De Unie played out? Certainly not.
- We have sent a clear signal to Achmea (and the employees) that without (broad) support De Unie does not agree. Not now, not in the future
- Although the final offer for an agreement ultimately proved to be insufficient for us, parts of it were partly (or perhaps precisely) the result of our efforts. So our work has certainly not been in vain.
- We will continue to participate (in a constructive and critical manner and listening to you) in the consultations at Achmea. Among other things, about the elaboration of this collective labor agreement, the new pension scheme and about the social plan that expires on 30 June. So there is still a lot to do……
- Over the past few months, many new members have signed up. That motivates us even more. Now and in the future. With your support and in your interest!
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us (huug.brinkers@unie.nl).
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