Dutch rail network operator ProRail and the unions CNV, FNV and VHS signed a new collective labour agreement. This happened after the members of the unions agreed with a majority in a consultation with the achieved negotiation result. The collective labour agreement negotiations, which started this spring, have now been definitively concluded.
John Voppen, CEO at ProRail, says this is now a good collective labor agreement: “I am happy with the agreement reached. We wanted a collective labor agreement for all ProRailers and this is that: with these agreements we realize an improved collective labor agreement for all ProRailers, with extra attention for low and middle incomes. The agreement is socially responsible and offers considerable improvements.”
“We have agreed with FNV, CNV and VHS to leave the discussion about purchasing power recovery over the past years behind us and to work together to increase trust and improve labor relations. This agreement will bring peace and clarity to the organization for a long time.”
The collective labor agreement
For the new collective labor agreement, the negotiation result of July 1 (and therefore not the final offer from ProRail in October) was the starting point. In addition to the previously agreed 4.2 percent wage increase with a base of EUR 260,- gross as of July 1, 2024, two additional increases will be added. In addition, everyone will receive a one-off payment of EUR 800,-.
The irregular hours allowance will be increased in steps by 5 percent as of July 1, 2024, 1.1 percent in March 2025 and 1.2 percent in September 2025. Other allowances (travel expenses, paid parental leave) have also been improved. In addition, agreements have been made about, among other things, the repayment of study costs, a lease bicycle scheme and inclusive employment conditions (including the possibility to swap public holidays).
ProRail and the unions have been in talks about a new collective labor agreement since April 2024. The current one expired on July 1 this year. Unfortunately, the result achieved at that time did not lead to an agreement. In October, ProRail made a final offer, which was followed by an ultimatum from FNV. ProRail decided not to accept this, and several strikes affected rail traffic in the Netherlands.
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