We would like to inform you about the current state of affairs surrounding the collective labor agreement negotiations with Philips. Unfortunately, we have to let you know that consultations on a new collective labor agreement have been suspended. The reason for this is that Philips' opening offer is irreconcilably far removed from the demands that we as trade unions have made.
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Salary offer
During the negotiations on July 3, 2024, Philips presented a wage offer that they believe is tailored to the Dutch labor market and the company's financial situation. Unfortunately, Philips' opening offer is far removed from our proposals. Below is a summary of their offer:
- A salary increase of 2% for a term of 15 months from July 1, 2024 (1,6% on a 12-month basis)
- Improvement of the bonus scheme
- Improvements in arrangements for travel expenses, training budget, additional maternity leave, bereavement leave and leave arrangements.
- Focus on 'modernisation' and 'standardisation' of existing schemes, without clear improvements for employees
- Four studies into the WKR budget, where-you-work compensation, salary system including variable salary and workload.
Our response
The four unions have submitted clear proposals aimed at improving your purchasing power. We have also – partly in response to the proposed reorganization in Drachten – submitted improvement proposals with regard to the central social plan, such as a financial safety net in the event of internal reassignment to a lower position, a retention bonus and the inclusion of temporary employees under the social plan.
In addition, we have made proposals for, among other things:
- Improving workload and work-life balance
- Expansion of the sustainable employability policy
- Introduction of an 80-90-100 scheme as a minimum scheme for generation policy
- Increase in travel allowance and work from home allowance
- Introduction of a climate budget for employees
- Support for young employees with student debt
- Expansion of bereavement leave
Closing note
Philips' current offer falls far short of meeting the needs of our members and the contribution that employees make to Philips every day. The gap between the employer's offer and our requirements is too great to discuss further at this time.
What now?
We regret this impasse, but remain determined to achieve a fair and equitable collective labor agreement for all Philips employees. We will use the coming time to consult with our members about possible next steps. We call on Philips to submit a significantly better offer so that we can resume negotiations in a constructive manner.
Membership meetings after the summer holidays
We will keep our members informed of further developments and will organize membership meetings immediately after the summer holidays to discuss the situation and determine next steps.
Your support and involvement are crucial in this process. Together we are strong for a fair collective labor agreement!
Share this message with your colleagues, even if they are not (yet) members De Unie. The more members commit themselves, the stronger we are. Therefore, invite your colleague to also become a member De Unie. This can be done very easily here to click. You'll both get better there!
Contact
If you have any questions, you can always contact our advocate Suat Koetloe by email suat.koetloe@unie.nl or call 06-5252 2061.
