Trade Unions, Hospitals Agree on Labor Deal, Strike Averted
March 27, 2025
Hospitals and trade unions have reached an agreement in negotiations on a new collective agreement, according to the FNV trade union. The national strike that was planned for April is thus off the table for now, the CNV trade union said, according to the ANP news agency.
The FNV said in a statement that agreements have been reached on higher salaries and more allowances. The plans must still be submitted to union members. The agreement provides a salary increase of 8% over two years for the 225,000 hospital employees.
Dissatisfaction
Table of Contents
Hospital staff in non-emergency care had planned a one-day strike in mid-April. The FNV said it would have been the third national strike ever in the Netherlands.
Last Tuesday, there was a local protest in Alkmaar, where dozens of employees stopped working for the day. Dissatisfaction stemmed from a previously offered wage increase that unions argued did not adequately compensate for inflation.
According to the FNV, the agreement includes a ”time-saving arrangement” to reduce workload. Employees who have worked a night shift will receive at least eight hours of rest. The union also stated that it is exploring the introduction of a 32-hour work week with hospitals. There has been no response from employers.
Healthcare Workers’ Agreement: A Q&A on the New Deal
this Q&A provides details of the recently negotiated agreement between hospitals, unions, and healthcare workers. The information is compiled based on reports from the FNV trade union as of March 27,2025.
Key Questions and answers
Q: What is the primary outcome of the agreement between hospitals and trade unions?
A: The primary outcome is a new collective agreement that averts a planned national strike.According to the FNV trade union, negotiations have concluded successfully.
Q: What were the main issues addressed in the negotiations?
A: The negotiations addressed key issues such as:
Salary Increases: The agreement includes higher salaries and more allowances for hospital employees.
Workload Reduction: A “time-saving arrangement” has been agreed upon to reduce the workload.
Rest Periods: Employees working night shifts will receive a minimum of eight hours of rest.
Potential 32-Hour work week: Unions are also exploring the introduction of a 32-hour work week.
Q: What percentage salary increase is included in the new agreement?
A: The agreement provides an 8% salary increase over two years for the 225,000 hospital employees.
Q: What were the reasons for the planned strike?
A: Hospital staff, notably in non-emergency care, planned a one-day strike in mid-April due to dissatisfaction over a previously offered wage increase that was considered inadequate to match inflation.
Q: What are the next steps for the agreement?
A: The plans and terms of the agreement still need to be submitted to the union members for their approval.
Q: What is the importance of this agreement?
A: This agreement is meaningful as it prevents what would have been the third national strike in the Netherlands. It addresses worker concerns regarding salaries, workloads, and rest periods.
Summary of Key Agreement Points
| Feature | Details |
| —————– | ————————————————————- |
| Salary Increase | 8% over two years |
| Affected Workers| 225,000 hospital employees |
| Workload Reduction | “Time-saving arrangement” implemented; greater emphasis on rest |
| Strike Averted | National strike in April cancelled |
| Union Approval | Agreement details must be approved by union members |