High inflation
De Unie has asked Rabobank to contribute ideas about the consequences of high inflation. We have emphasized that the increased cost of living and high energy costs are putting pressure on the purchasing power of many employees. But that the support base for the collective labor agreement is also diminishing as a result. De Unie believes that Rabobank should offer inflation compensation to help employees in this exceptional time.
Consultation with Rabobank
Consultations on inflation compensation started on 27 September. Prior to this conversation, De Unie members asked for input. Many members have done this. Many thanks for this, it is more convincing if I can show that a topic is really alive with the members.
Member input
The input of the members of De Unie was diverse. Most members indicated that they do not expect the cabinet plans, as published on Budget Day, to be of sufficient help.
In addition to concerns about purchasing power, many members also indicated that they fear that turnover will increase further if Rabobank does nothing, which will further increase the workload. In particular, it is expected that young employees will easily switch jobs if this allows them to improve financially. A striking number of members indicated that they felt that the collective labor agreement should be broken open and the collective salary increase should be increased, because circumstances have changed.
Others gave suggestions on what Rabobank could do temporarily:
- Better accommodate working from home by increasing the homework allowance or granting a higher internet allowance.
- Increase in the travel allowance (the Rabobank offices are heated).
- A one-off payment (possibly linked to sustainability objectives that the bank itself promotes).
- A temporary energy and grocery allowance.
- Supporting employees who are at risk of getting into payment problems.
- Providing interest-free loans to employees who need it.
The ideas of the members, together with examples from other companies, were discussed with Rabobank.
Course of the consultation
Rabobank is not prepared to structurally increase salaries. That was made clear in the consultation. There is, however, a willingness to look at other options.
No concrete agreements were made during the consultation, but there was a commitment that Rabobank will take the matter seriously. More information is expected to become available in October.
We are now waiting to see what Rabobank has to offer the employees.
Legal position De Unie
We have concluded a collective labor agreement with Rabobank. De Unie is just as bound by the collective labor agreement as Rabobank. We cannot withdraw our signature, this would mean that the salary increase of 1 January 2023 will not take place either. Well used De Unie the position as a consultation partner to motivate Rabobank to do the right things for employees. We do this, among other things, by putting topics on the agenda, by sharing information and by giving employees a clear voice.
Contact
Do you have any questions about this post, or do you have information that you can share with us? De Unie want to share? You can do this by sending an email to: inge.de.vries@unie.nl
