The collaboration is notable because, in recent months, the parties were still at odds. This summer, the trade unions went to the media after the Executive Board decided not to renew the contract of ombudsperson Anna Soedira, citing a “lack of mutual trust.” According to the unions, this decision left the ombudsperson “powerless”.

A few weeks later, the tone is much more moderate. The parties are back at the table and have agreed to work together to create a “stronger foundation” for social safety at TU/e. Executive Board President Koen Janssen said during Monday afternoon’s University Council meeting: “We are working hard on a cultural shift within the university.”

Before the collaboration begins, an external investigation into the handling of the ombudsperson’s position must first be completed. That investigation is ongoing, but it is not yet clear when the results will be published. Depending on the outcome, the parties intend to take steps to safeguard social safety at the university. Mariëtte Hamer, member of TU/e’s Supervisory Board, has been asked by the Executive Board to supervise the process.”

Great confidence

Janssen expressed great confidence in Hamer, who is known, among other things, as a former chair of the PvdA parliamentary group in the House of Representatives and as the government commissioner on sexually transgressive behavior and sexual violence. Hamer has been part of TU/e’s Supervisory Board since 2018 and is familiar with the situation surrounding Soedira and social safety at the university. She was nominated by the University Council at the time and appointed by the Minister of Education.

On behalf of the University Council, Martijn Klabbers explicitly called for structural improvements to social safety with a clear timeline and measurable results. The council is concerned about the succession of Soedira, who will step down from her position on October 1, two months before the end of her contract. The search for a new ombudsperson has started. Nevertheless, the council insists that the position be filled on an interim basis pending the appointment of a permanent successor.

Editor’s note: This article has been updated after publication. An earlier version stated that Mariëtte Hamer would lead the social safety process at TU/e. This has been corrected to reflect that she will supervise the process, while the Executive Board remains responsible for its leadership and implementation.

This article was translated using AI-assisted tools and reviewed by an editor.