FNV hands out alarm clocks as a wake-up call about collective labour agreements

"The existing collective labour agreement (Dutch acronym: CAO) expires this weekend and it looks like there is no prospect of a new one, even though we have been negotiating since March," says Bernard Koekoek, Director of FNV Education & Research. He is concerned about the universities' reluctance. “They keep retreating, not only because their finances will be put under pressure by the incoming cabinet but also on themes like social safety, job security and work pressure. I would like to make better agreements with the universities in those areas. For example, people with a temporary contract want to know whether they will get a permanent job. Communication could be much better in this regard. The recent report from the Labour Inspectorate has evidenced that a cultural change is needed when it comes to work pressure and social safety.”

FNV set up a stand at Utrecht Science Park, near the University Library, on Thursday. “We chose this location because UU Vice-President Margot van der Starre is leading the delegation that is negotiating on behalf of all universities. But we also want to talk to UU employees to hear what they think and explain what we are doing.” Unfortunately, that part didn't work much. Most passers-by said they did not work at UU or had to rush to get to an appointment. However, the FNV members took the time to follow them along, which led to extensive conversations about employees' workplace-related complaints.

Koekoek: “There will be another round of negotiations on Friday. I hope we can figure this out. If that one also fails, the talks will not be completed before the summer break, which is annoying because the current collective labour agreement expires this week.” At least the trade unions have already reached an agreement with the university on one issue: the duration of the new CAO, which will be in effect for a year.