On Friday 11 November, Bianca Tetteroo (chairman of the Executive Board) sent all employees a message. In that message, she indicated that she was prepared to make an allowance for employees with a 'limited financial advantage', as compensation for the increased costs. Achmea thus also answers the earlier question of De Unie (see the previous post here). But is this the answer we've been waiting for? What do you think?
Not receiving our newsletter yet? Then sign up quickly.
In 'cao-land' we see wages rising more and more. Percentages of 5% or more are no longer an exception. Employers are also increasingly opting for additional agreements with previously concluded collective agreements. The structural collective labor agreement increase at Achmea of only 2023% in 1 therefore seems very meager. The one-off increase of 750 euros gross and the one-off climate budget cannot bridge that difference.
Consideration Achmea
Achmea indicates that it is unable and unwilling to pass on the increased own costs (for example damage repair and energy) to customers. In order to remain financially healthy, there would therefore be no room to break open the collective labor agreement and do something substantial to compensate for the increased costs of employees. Instead, Achmea opts for an allowance with a 'limited financial advantage'. Through the work-related costs scheme, there is still room in 2022 to pay out a number of allowances (personal choice budget (PKB) and health insurance) tax-free (read more here). There are no additional costs for Achmea itself. This compensation is therefore not charged to Achmea's economic result (profit).
End of story?
It seems that for Achmea the discussion is now closed. However, we don't think so. Achmea stated some time ago that it considers it important for employees to be more involved in drawing up their collective labor agreement. The survey at the start of the previous collective labor agreement negotiations is a good example of employee involvement. Achmea once again emphasized that it considers this important in the discussions on 'the agenda of the future'.
In order to continue this good 'tradition', we would therefore now like to ask you to indicate what you think of Achmea's current compensation. Are you satisfied or not? And do you agree with Achmea's argument that customers must be spared, the result must remain at the same level and that therefore a CLA increase that is not in line with the market for its own employees is logical?
The employees' answer to this question puts us in an even better position to properly conduct the discussion with Achmea about this. Now, and otherwise as an 'outstanding account' at the start of the collective labor agreement negotiations at the end of 2023.
Investigation
Click here for the short (anonymous) survey. This is open to all employees. Members (also of other unions) and non-members. So share this post with all your colleagues. After all, the more responses, the more representative the outcome.
You can respond until Wednesday 30 November.
