After 9 rounds and 10 months we have a new Agreement in the metalektro sector in the Netherlands.

Before the strike on the first of April (1/6e of all the metal companies were on strike, 18.000 people) the last wage offer of the employes was 0.85% increase in 30 monthsand a single (not structural) increase of 0.75% . We asked 1.25% on yearly basis. Now we got 4.4% structural in 3 years and 3 months, and some the CLA is valid till 1.10.2007.

In total the wage agreement is a as follows: 1 July 0.5% structural 1 September 0.5% not structural (single) 1.1.2006 1.25% structural 1 July 0.75% single increase 1.1.2007 1.4% structural increase due to the fact that from that moment the pension premiums of the employees are getting reduced with 1.4% 1.7.2007 1.25% structural.

Longer working weeks The employers first wanted 4 days extra work without pay, later in the process they wanted 3 days, for the whole sector. Agreement: no general increasement. It is possible on company level to work 3 days per year longer, if the Work Council agrees, combined with a pay increase of 1.15%. Individual workers have the right to refuse and stick to their shorter working weeks of 38 a week.

Illness and income: Employers wanted 100% in the first year of illness and 70% in the second year. Agreement: First year of illness 100% of last wage, second year 80%. If a workers is able to work partly again (for instance, he is still not covered fully, but is able to work parttime or to do lighter work) the first year he receives 100% of his wage and the second year 90%.

Pensions: Employers wanted to increse the early retirement age from 62 to 63. The early retirement age remains 62, with no extra premiums for the employees. People older than 52 can quit at 61, but from 2008 to 2013 every year an extra month is added. So if you are 61 in 2008 you have to work 1 month longer, in 2009 2 months and so on.

Child care: the employers pay 1/6 of the cost of child care of the employees.
Labour market and education Fund: In 2005 and 2006 0.45% and in 2007 0.4% of the total wages incl. taxes and premiums are used for: youngsters who are unemployed get education innovation in education systems employability policies further developping the system of recognition of gained competences

With regard,

Jacqie van Stigt