Union Month: Join in September and take advantage!

Do you work at one of the Dutch universities? Join the in September AOb and receive a maximum of 100 euros of your contribution back. A great opportunity to enjoy all the benefits of membership. Strengthen your position as an employee, be part of the change!

Join the AOb

collective power

Together we make a difference when negotiating your collective labor agreement and terms of employment. The more members, the stronger we are.

Participation in decision-making

Your vote counts! Vote on important agreements that affect your work and future

Expert advice and legal assistance

AObmembers can call our legal staff and ask questions. Do you have a problem or do you want to know more what a collective agreement means for you personally, you can always contact us. Our employees are ready for you.

Tax benefit and free tax service

Benefit from over 40 percent tax benefit on your membership fee and our free tax service where we help you fill in your tax papers

Receive information about your sector

Receive the Education magazine and the WO&O magazine directly in your mailbox. Two magazines packed with valuable information and insights. In addition, join meetings

One year membership for a very affordable price!

The Month of the trade union offers you the opportunity to become a member for an attractive rate. Below you will find an example calculation of what this can mean for you:

Membership fees	Amount
12 months x 19,10 euros (gross)	229,20 €
First 3 months free	- 34,38 euro
Refund of 100 euro contribution	- 100,00 euro
Approximately 40% via the selection model via your employer (tax benefit via the choice model)	- ask your employer what this means for your situation

This is an indication. No rights can be derived from this

Discover what our union can do for you and how you can contribute to a stronger collective.

Together we ensure better employment conditions and strong representation

Join during the Month of the Trade Union and enjoy the benefits!

Become a member immediately!

Is this a one-time promotion?: No, the ''month of the union'' is a provision of the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities. As long as negotiators add this agreement to subsequent collective labor agreements, new members can continue to benefit from the promotion. The promotion applies to employees who become members in September and does not apply to employees who are already members.
Am I eligible for this promotion?: If you work for an employer that falls under the Collective Labor Agreement of Dutch Universities, you can take advantage of this promotion. It concerns the following universities:

Erasmus University Rotterdam

Maastricht University

Open University

Radboud University Nijmegen

University of Groningen

Tilburg university

Delft University of Technology

Eindhoven University of Technology

Universiteit Leiden

University of Twente

University of Utrecht

University of Amsterdam

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Wageningen University

This promotion also applies to employees whose employer follows the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities in accordance with Appendix 1 of the Collective Labor Agreement. This concerns the following institutions (CAO followers):

The IHE Delft Institute for Water Education (IHE) Foundation

The PO Council Association (PO Council)

University of Humanistics (UVH)

Nuffic in The Hague; e. Protestant Theological University (PThU)

Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW)

Platform Training, Education and Organization BV (PLATO)

Roosevelt Academy Foundation (SRA)

Theological University of Apeldoorn (TUA)

Theological University of Kampen (TUK)

Universities of the Netherlands (UNL)

The Fryske Akademy (FA)
Does this promotion only apply to university employees?: No, this promotion also applies to employees whose employer follows the Collective Labor Agreement of Dutch Universities. Appendix 1 of the collective labor agreement lists which institutions follow (for a summary, see the question '' am I eligible for this promotion? '').
Does it matter which position I have to take advantage of this promotion?: Your position does not matter, as long as you work at 1 of the 14 universities or one of the CLA followers.
How do I get half of my contribution back and what steps do I have to go through?: Follow this step-by-step plan to qualify for the contribution fee:

Step 1: Membership Registration (August and September)
It is extra beneficial to become a member of the in September AOb, because of union month. However, if you already joined in August, you will benefit from the transitional right during the first year.

Step 2: Receive your registration certificate (September)
As soon as you have become a member, you will receive a registration certificate from us. This proof confirms your membership.

Step 3: Proof of registration (October)
In October you will receive a 'Proof of registration'. On this document you must indicate that you intend to remain a member for a year. The amount that you have to pay annually in contribution is stated on this letter.

Step 4: Submit to the university (no later than November 15)
It is important to submit the received 'Proof of Enrolment' to the university where you work. Please note: the exact submission procedure may differ per university. Make sure you have submitted this proof by November 15, 2023. As a result, the amount to be reimbursed is settled at the end of the year

Step 5: Information from university and the AOb
Your university will inform you about how to submit the proof and what steps to follow. The AOb will provide you with the necessary documents and information regarding your membership and dues.

Step 6: Transitional law (for employees who joined in August)
If you joined in August 2023, you are also eligible for this scheme. Follow the same procedure as employees who joined in September.

View examples of previous awards here are the agreements that we have created with employers.
How can I qualify for reimbursement of my union dues?: The route for reimbursement of the membership contribution during the union month differs from the reimbursement via the 'employment conditions selection model'. Employees who join the union during the month of the union will receive a special confirmation letter for submission to the employer.
How does the compensation of trade union contributions work via the employment conditions selection model?: This arrangement applies annually to all members and requires steps separate from membership in the month of the union. To take advantage of this, you must demonstrate how much union dues you have paid in the past year. Sends annually AOb a letter (annual union contribution statement) for this purpose. If you would like details about the procedure and how to use this scheme, please contact your employer (HR), as this procedure differs from that for reimbursement during union month.
Can I receive a digital flyer to share with my colleagues?: We have both a Dutch and English flyer available. Click here to download it
When is Union Month?: September 2023 is the month of the union. Anyone who became a member in August 2023 will automatically benefit from this promotion. It is possible that your university will extend the union month, so you can benefit from this promotion even longer. Employees of the UvA and UM can take advantage of this promotion until October 31. Would you like to know whether your university is also extending the promotion? Then check your intranet or inquire with the HR department.

Union Month: Join in September and take advantage!

Join us and discover the benefits

One year membership for a very affordable price!

Together we ensure better employment conditions and strong representation

FAQ about this promotion