Around half a million employees in Dutch nursing homes, care homes, home care, and youth health services are set to receive a 7.4 per cent pay rise over the next two years following a breakthrough deal between trade unions and employers. This new collective labour agreement—the largest in the Netherlands—is scheduled to take effect on 1 September, subject to union members’ approval. The salary increase will be rolled out in four distinct stages, alongside a welcome boost of a few pence per kilometre to both work-related and commuting travel allowances.
Union representatives have welcomed the outcome, with CNV board member Bart Schnoor highlighting that the deal delivers a crucial financial boost to the lowest-income groups, particularly those working in home care. Employers’ group ActiZ also praised the comprehensive nature of the agreement. Representing employers, Marion van Zoom noted that the package goes beyond just salary improvements to address vital day-to-day workplace issues, including managing workloads, improving staff safety, and giving employees a greater say in how their organisations are run.
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