On 30 September and 14 October 2025, the first two rounds of negotiations for the new Metalektro collective agreement took place. In this update, we’ll bring you up to speed! There’s good news: the RVU has been extended. However, there is still a lot of work to be done: the gap between employers and unions remains wide. We’d also like to inform you of a change to the De Unie negotiating team.
Join now, this is possible from €0.
The first days of negotiations: proposals explained and still a long way to go
During the first day of negotiations on 30 September, the employers’ organisation FME and the trade unions presented and explained their proposals. You can find the De Unie proposal here read it back, and you find the employers' proposals here.
Between rounds, parties exchanged additional written questions, which we extensively elaborated on during the second day of negotiations, 14 October. This was very constructive, and the atmosphere at the table was good, but we have been able to take few concrete steps. The gap between the positions of employers and employees is still large, and we are concerned about employer proposals that amount to deteriorations in terms of employment, including mooted cutbacks for long-term sick employees, and steps back in pay agreements for senior staff. No wage offer has been made yet either.
Nevertheless, we are pleased that the talks have seriously begun. The upcoming negotiation rounds will now be important to see where there is room to actually reach agreements!
A first success: the RVU has been extended!
One important agreement has already been reached: the early retirement scheme (RVU) will be extended by one year. This extension provides clarity and peace of mind for older employees who wish to make use of it soon. We are therefore very pleased with this. It is also good to know that if we agree on new improvements at the collective bargaining table, these will also apply from 1 January 2026.
New faces in the negotiation team: Jesse and Peter are taking over!
We would also like to inform you of a change in the De Unie delegation. After many years of working on behalf of our members in the Metalektro sector, Gertjan Tommel is handing over the reins to his colleagues Jesse van Roeden (chief negotiator) and Peter Werger (deputy negotiator). Executive committee member Wout Pronk will remain involved in the collective agreement negotiations and completes the team.
Do you have any further questions or input for us? Please let us know!
We will continue to negotiate in the coming period! As soon as there are any new developments, you will hear from us. In the meantime, if you have any questions or want to share anything about what you consider important in this collective labour agreement, please contact Jesse van Roeden of Peter Werger.
We've already listed the most frequently asked questions for you on our page Frequently Asked Questions.
