“What is Achmea doing about the rising cost of living?” was published on Achmea-net on 3 October last. Full of expectation clicked just about all employees to this article, only to come to the same conclusion, usually disappointed: In contrast to other companies and sectors, Achmea is not doing anything for the time being. That is why we recently called on Achmea to take appropriate measures. Unfortunately without result.....
In recent weeks, many members/employees have also asked us whether an addition or amendment to the current collective labor agreement can be expected. The in the past, without De Unie After all, the collective labor agreement concluded is much more sober than the collective agreements that are currently being concluded. Achmea itself also indicates in the article on Achmea-net that the number of questions is increasing.
De Unie has taken your signals very seriously and understands the questions. That is why we once again explained the situation in consultation with Achmea and made an urgent appeal to Achmea to take appropriate measures now that the cost of living is rising so fast. Will the homework allowance be increased? Will the 1% salary increase of 2023 go up? etc..
Achmea . position
Achmea sees the climate budget to a large extent as the answer to rising energy costs and increasing inflation. In addition, Achmea indicates that other perspectives also play a role, such as the increasing costs for Achmea itself and the remuneration benchmark on the labor market. Achmea has also previously indicated that the trade unions that have signed the current collective labor agreement would like to respect this collective labor agreement. In the last periodic consultation with the trade unions, De Unie Achmea further questioned this. In response, Achmea summarized the following:
- Due to the increased interest, the pension accrual for employees will be maximum again next year;
- The climate budget will not be spread over 3 years, but every employee can already use it in 2023;
- With the energy measures, the government has already compensated 'the bottom of the wage structure';
- In the past, trade unions also did not want to break open the collective labor agreement when Achmea's pension costs increased; and
- Achmea does not see the number of 'wage garnishments' increasing yet, so there does not seem to be a problem yet.
Achmea's conclusion is that they see no reason for 'additional agreements' for this reason either.
Displeased
It will come as no surprise to you that we are not satisfied with Achmea's attitude. Many reactions from employees on Achmea-net are often not mild. And we understand that.
After all, neither the climate budget nor the higher pension accrual is a solution to the problems that many employees and their families are currently experiencing. In addition, not everyone can spend the climate budget equally effectively. Bringing forward the spending options does not change that. The budget is not a structural salary, but a one-off amount and the budget is not pensionable either.
Achmea itself, on the other hand, benefits from the increased interest because the pension premium (which is largely paid by Achmea) will be considerably lower next year.
What is especially unfortunate is that Achmea does not seem to realize that the middle incomes are also having a harder time than ever. This is no longer about 'the bottom of the wage structure'. The compensation from the government does help, but partly solves the problem.
But it only really gets annoying when Achmea uses the argument that there are 'no more wage garnishments' and does offer financial help. A total mistake. This is because they do not combat the ailment (severe decrease in purchasing power), but Achmea only looks at the (often hidden and extremely painful) symptoms. A wage garnishment is about the worst thing that can happen to you and asking for help from your employer if you have run into financial problems is not easy either.
Conclusion
De Unie has not signed the current collective agreement. Our members found the final offer insufficient at the time, in particular due to a wage offer that was too low and criticism of the climate budget. And those arguments have only become stronger due to today's news (huge inflation due to, among other things, high energy prices). It is not without reason that better collective agreements are being concluded.
On the basis of a narrow majority of votes, Achmea concluded a two-year collective labor agreement with fellow unions last year. And while solutions are often sought in addition to an existing collective labor agreement in more and more other sectors and companies, Achmea will continue to adhere to this collective agreement for the time being. Achmea therefore seems to consider the economic result (of many hundreds of millions) more important than (partially) repairing the greatly reduced purchasing power of its employees. Naturally, a good economic result is important for Achmea. We understand that. But special times call for special measures. Also at Achmea……
Call from Achmea
Ordered before De Unie Achmea's attitude is not only disappointing, but also difficult to accept. That is why, in the last periodic consultation, we once again called on Achmea to reconsider the position it had taken and to look for solutions together with us. For example, through a better wage agreement for 2023 and/or other or broader spending options for the climate budget (including the option of having the budget paid out). There are already other companies and sectors that have set a good example. Higher wages or other creative solutions. We have therefore asked Achmea to reconsider this.
So to be continued!
If you have any questions or comments, please send a message to huug.brinkers@unie.nl
And if you agree with our appeal to Achmea, support us by also informing your colleagues and – if you have not already done so – by joining us, just like more and more of your colleagues.
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