Over the past few weeks, four rounds of negotiations have taken place regarding the collective labour agreement. This has ultimately led to a result that we are submitting to members with a Complete or Extra membership for a vote with a positive recommendation.
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Salary and term
De Unie had proposed a pay rise of inflation plus 1.5%. Inflation would then have to be based on an objective figure: the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
The employers would have preferred a two-year collective labour agreement, but without any link to the CPI. For us, this uncertainty, particularly for the second year, was not negotiable.
Ultimately, a collective agreement wage increase of 1% with effect from 1 October 2026 and 3% with effect from 1 January 2027 was agreed. The collective agreement will run for one year, in line with our position. You can view the outcome of the Confectionery Sector collective agreement negotiations here Read.
Many things off the table
The employers' proposed deteriorations regarding sickness and demotion have been rejected. The negotiation outcome includes both agreements that will be incorporated into the collective labour agreement and agreements that have been recorded as protocol agreements.
Is everything off the table? No
The phasing-out scheme for the team bonus will be simplified and brought more in line with what is customary in collective agreement negotiations. Some employers also want to collectively close during the holiday period. This will be made possible in the new collective agreement.
The previously made agreements regarding Union points such as workload, generational management, and job evaluation will be further elaborated on in the coming year. We expect to be able to formalise these agreements in the next collective labour agreement.
De Unie is pleased that our proposal regarding training vouchers has been included in the final outcome.
Vote on the collective labour agreement result
De Unie is putting this full collective agreement outcome, together with a positive recommendation, to members with a ‘Compleet’ or ‘Extra’ membership. It is now up to the members to decide. They have received an invitation to vote. Voting is open until and including 24 August 2026.
Questions?
Do you have any questions or comments? If so, please contact representative Victor Kloos by email victor.kloos@unie.nl
