Frequently asked questions Collective labor agreement Dutch universities
De AObnegotiators, the other unions and the employers' organization VSNU reached a negotiator agreement on 12 May for a new collective labor agreement for Dutch universities. We have listed the most frequently asked questions.
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The agreement states '0,45 percent of the wage margin', what does that mean?
It is an agreement to reserve 0,45 percent of the payroll for the extension of temporary contracts of academic and support staff, who have not been able to complete their work due to the corona crisis. However, we do not know how long the crisis will last. with this money you can finance the most urgent cases.
The percentage amounts to approximately 20 to 21 million euros. That amount is not sufficient for all cases, but it is a first step and a sign of solidarity with colleagues with temporary employment.
Employers' organizations and unions still hold talks with the ministry almost every week about the impact of the corona crisis on the contracts, careers and workload of both temporary and permanent staff. An inventory of the harmful consequences for the sector has led to an additional claim of approximately 1,4 billion euros against the cabinet. We're not done yet. Before 2021, depending on all developments and the agreements we can make with the ministry about compensation, we will have to make further agreements about how this 0,45 percent will be spent. This also includes the spending of the money in 2020.
If the employment of a researcher ends within the next few months, but his research cannot be completed on time, he must now consult his employer. It is important that the employer knows what situation you are in as a researcher.
Why has a study agreement been made about the academic careers of postdocs and junior lecturers, and why have not some stricter agreements been made about career prospects for these temporary employees?
Postdocs and junior teachers by no means always get the opportunities they deserve. That is a thorn in our side. We would have liked to make more concrete agreements. Due to the corona crisis and the circumstances under which we had to negotiate, this was the highest possible, but in line with how we started in 2019. It remains in the spotlight and will eventually lead to concrete agreements in a subsequent negotiation.
Why are the PhD students missing from these agreements?
Many PhD students, of whom only 30 percent go on to science, often first work at a university in the positions of lecturer and postdoc. In exceptional cases, one is immediately employed as assistant professor.
Why is continuation of the Vitality Pact unchanged?
The Vitality Pact is a scheme permitted by the tax authorities. The condition is that you continue to work at least 50 percent of your week. It is not possible to stop completely. Previous schemes, such as the senior citizens scheme and the FPU, did make it possible for the elderly to stop earlier under favorable conditions. With these schemes, the intake and promotion of younger colleagues could take place more quickly. However, these arrangements are no longer possible, because they are either equal treatment contrary to legislation or are subject to additional taxation.
Although the Vitality Pact also aims to promote the recruitment and promotion of younger colleagues, this does not mean that a vacancy for a younger colleague will immediately arise when an older employee takes part in the Vitality Pact. However, the pilot also serves to evaluate the effects on the intake and promotion of younger colleagues.
Why is there no agreement on reducing the workload?
During the collective labor agreement negotiations, no specific agreements were made about workload due to the corona crisis and the RIVM measures that would affect working for the duration of the corona crisis. During the corona crisis there was a lot of consultation between the ministry, employers and unions about the consequences of the corona crisis and the RIVM measures for education and working at universities. It is not certain how long the crisis will last and how long the RIVM measures will guide the work. Under the given circumstances, the negotiators did not think it wise to make agreements about workload.
Is the agreed salary increase of 3 percent enough, as well as the one-off payment of 750 euros, to compensate for the current inflation?
These agreements with the 0,45 percent (see question 1) together comprise the entire wage margin that the government has made available for universities in the Spring Memorandum. The room for negotiation for wages is therefore determined by the room that the government offers in this memorandum. The wage margin offered is therefore intended, among other things, to absorb current inflation.
Do you have any other question? Please contact the Information and Advice Center by one mail to send.
