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After intensive negotiations, an agreement has been reached on a new collective labor agreement for healthcare transport and taxis.

On Friday 27 September 2024, trade unions FNV, CNV and the employers' organisation KNV Zorgvervoer en Taxi concluded an agreement for a new collective labour agreement that will take effect on 1 July 2024 and will run until 31 December 2025. The most important outcome of these negotiations is a 5 percent wage increase, which will be implemented from 1 January 2025. This increase applies to the actual wages of employees in the sector.

tenders

The new collective labour agreement not only offers financial improvements, but also contains important agreements aimed at strengthening the position of both employers and employees in the sector. One of the crucial topics that emerged during the negotiations was the tendering system within healthcare transport. Unions and employers have jointly agreed that steps will be taken to improve the position of companies and employees within these tendering systems. This point was considered urgent by both parties, given the current pressure on the sector due to tight budgets and competition between transport companies.

In addition to the wage increase and the agreements on tenders, agreements have also been made to promote the inflow of new personnel into the sector. It has been agreed that the required professional qualifications will be examined, with a view to improving the accessibility of the sector for new talent. Due to the ageing of the current workforce and the growing shortage of qualified personnel, this is an important spearhead of the collective labour agreement. The sector must be made more attractive to new employees, so that the continuity of healthcare transport can be guaranteed.

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travel allowance

The intention has also been expressed to investigate how a travel allowance for commuting can be introduced. This allowance would be a welcome addition for employees, given the often large distances they travel to reach their work. Introducing such a scheme could ease the financial burden on employees, and at the same time make the sector more attractive to new staff.

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Healthcare transport and taxi
Photo: © Pitane Blue - Healthcare Transport and Taxi

The employers' organisation KNV has already announced that its members have agreed to the negotiation result last week. Both FNV and CNV have responded positively to the agreement, but will still present the result to their members. However, it is expected that there will be broad support among employees, given the important steps that have been taken to improve employment conditions and strengthen the financial position of employees.

consultation

In the coming weeks, the unions will take the time to consult their members and explain the collective labor agreement proposals. The expectation is that the members of both FNV and CNV will agree with the negotiation result, given the positive reactions so far.

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