The prayers (strikes) have been answered: garbage collectors and other municipal workers are officially getting a wage increase. Hoera!
This comes as a sigh of relief. Trade unions FNV and CNV have reached an agreement with the Association of Dutch Municipalities (VNG). 😮💨
This means no more stinky streets. All garbage collection strikes have been called off — at least for the time being.
Money makes the world go ’round
As a consequence of the new collective agreement, many people will get a well-deserved wage increase.
READ MORE | Salaries in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide to Dutch wages
In fact, it’s not just garbage collectors that are affected, but ALL municipal workers — amassing a total of 190,000 people. 🎉
The burning question is, of course: “What’s the increase?”
An monthly increase of €240 plus 2%
All municipal employees will see an increase in their salaries of €240 per month, plus an extra 2% on top of that. What does that mean in practice?
As Marieke Manschot from the FNV has told the NOS, “at the bottom in the lowest scale, this means almost a 16% wage increase. All in all, this means an average pay increase of 9% for all employees.” 📈
As of May 1, municipal workers that work from home will also receive an extra €3.00 compensation per day for hybrid working.
Lastly, in addition to higher salaries, all civil servants will be given an extra holiday this year. Then, starting in 2024, May 5, will be a fixed holiday for all civil servants.
READ MORE | Holidays in the Netherlands 2023: when are the public, national, and school holidays?
Since the deal has not been finalised just yet, the new deal won’t go into effect until April 6 (at the earliest).
But luckily, the new agreement will take effect retroactively from January 2, 2023 — so all municipal workers will be given their increased salary for the months from this date.💪
So, striking pays off?
By the looks of it, it can! Though regional transport workers and hospital employees are still fighting for higher salaries, the garbage collection strikes have shown that striking can have its desired effect.
“The men and women of the municipal cleaning services and enforcement have shown in recent weeks that they are indispensable for the Netherlands,” says Juan Schot from the CNV.
What do you think about the new collective agreement for municipal workers? Tell us in the comments!
