Collective labor agreement negotiations at the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV) are proving difficult. Cooperation between unions is good. We are ensuring that the UWV does not pit the various unions against each other. De Unie is satisfied with the way trade unions are connecting with each other and advocating for each other's proposals. The relationship between trade unions and the UWV (Employee Insurance Agency) should be better. We are working on that.
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Poll results and next steps
Trade unions jointly conducted a survey about the UWV's final offer. In this survey, we asked UWV employees to share their opinions on the UWV's final offer. Due to time constraints, we could only conduct a short survey to at least get a sense of employee opinion. Despite this short timeframe, a large number of employees completed the survey, thank you for that. The survey was completed by almost 4000 employees. 64% of respondents indicated they were not members of a trade union. Therefore, the survey provides a good representation of the opinions of UWV employees.
Poll results
The result is clear. 70% of respondents indicate that, if they could vote on the final offer, they would (very) likely vote against. 25% would (very) likely vote in favor, and 5% don't know.
If we only look at the answers of the members of De Unie, then you get a similar picture:
- 71% indicate that they will (very) likely vote against
- 24% indicate that they are (very) likely to vote in favor
- 5% don't know or don't have an opinion yet
Consultation with UWV
On Friday, October 17, 2025, De UnieThe other unions and the UWV (Employee Insurance Agency) have spoken with each other. During this meeting, the unions provided an interim assessment of the situation. We advised the UWV to withdraw the final offer. If the unions were to submit this final offer from October 21, 2025, a rejection is likely, and action would then be unavoidable.
Conversation about impasse
In this meeting, the unions explicitly discussed the interests of UWV employees and the importance for the organization to resolve the current impasse. The meeting sought a solution for this situation that both the employer and employees could move forward with. Unfortunately, this has not yet resulted in a solution. We will continue our discussions with UWV on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.
Other questions
In the survey, trade unions also asked questions related to reorganizations and social plan negotiations. 82% of respondents indicated they were aware of the Change Engine. The Change Engine directly impacts 3500 employees. It remains to be seen how other employees will be affected by the Change Engine. The UWV (Employee Insurance Agency) does not appear to have developed any plans for this yet.
During reorganizations, employees are more likely to be concerned about their jobs and future. This seems to be less of an issue at the UWV.
- 34% are (seriously) concerned about their job
- 54% say they are not worried
- 12% cannot answer this question
The opportunity to find another job at your current level within UWV is important in times of reorganizations.
- 45% of respondents expect to be able to find another job within UWV if it is necessary to look for another job internally.
- 21% assume that this is not possible
- 34% cannot answer this question
The results of these questions are important for trade unions to take into account later, when we discuss the social plan.
How further
On Wednesday, October 22, 2025, we will talk De Unie, the other unions, and the UWV will continue to work together. Keep an eye on your inbox in the coming days. We expect to ask members with a Full or Extra membership to vote shortly thereafter.
Many members of De Unie Colleagues have been asked to complete the survey. The results of the survey can, of course, also be shared with colleagues.
Contact
Do you have any questions about this message? Please send an email to our advocate Inge de Vries at ing.de.vries@unie.nl.
