Dutch healthcare unions issue ultimatum to mental healthcare employers

The FBZ union, alongside other labor organizations, has issued an ultimatum to employers in the Dutch mental healthcare (GGZ) sector. The unions declared negotiations exhausted following an eighth round of talks last week.

Employers presented a proposal for a new collective labor agreement (CAO) that includes wage increases of 2.2 percent and 2.5 percent, with the first increase scheduled for July 1 of next year. The subsequent 2.5 percent increase would not occur until July 1, 2028. The unions argue this offer falls significantly short of the purchasing power improvements they are seeking, noting that a recent agreement in the VVT sector secured a 7.2 percent increase over two years.

Additionally, unions raised concerns regarding the compensation of extra hours worked by medical interns (AIOS), stating that these hours are often offset against mandatory training hours rather than being fully paid. Employers have indicated they lack the capacity to increase wage offers without impacting other primary employment conditions. Employers have until November 9 at 12:00 to present a better proposal, or industrial action may follow.