The current collective labor agreement for universities expires at the end of June. This week, the AOb and FNV unions will sit down with the Universities of the Netherlands (UNL) to negotiate a new set of employment conditions.

The unions are proposing a six percent salary increase. According to them, this should be paid out “in cents rather than percentages,” so that lower-paid employees benefit proportionally more. In addition, they want wages to automatically track inflation: when prices rise, salaries should rise as well.

Contract extensions during pregnancy

The unions also want to strengthen the position of pregnant staff. They are demanding that postdoctoral researchers on temporary contracts receive an extension when they take maternity or parental leave.

“This gives postdocs the time to properly complete their research and to actually enjoy their leave,” said Donald Pechler, board member of the AOb. “Right now, they often keep working, while universities are reimbursed for the leave through the Employee Insurance Agency.”

The unions also propose a one-month contract extension for postdocs who are breastfeeding or expressing milk.

Right to disconnect

Another demand is the introduction of a “right to disconnect” in the collective agreement, ensuring that university staff are not contacted for minor issues outside working hours.

In addition, the unions are pushing for better compensation for overtime, particularly for lecturers in lower salary scales on temporary contracts. These staff members are often hired for 0.8 FTE positions but effectively work full-time.

That needs to change, the unions say. “They should either receive compensation for their overtime, or—better still—be offered permanent full-time contracts.” The AOb and FNV hope to reach a new collective agreement before the end of June.

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