KRALENDIJK – Employers and trade unions failed to reach an agreement on a new BES CARE CAO after five days of negotiations. The talks have been temporarily suspended.
The main point of contention is the introduction of a 36-hour work week. The trade unions want to implement this by 1 January 2027, while employers say there are insufficient financial resources available for this.
Both parties agree on the ambition to achieve working conditions equivalent to those in healthcare in European Netherlands. In addition to the working week, this also affects other matters such as salaries and pensions.
Due to the impasse, agreements on other issues such as salary increases, sick pay and special leave have also been postponed.
Employers and trade unions are now deliberating on how to continue the negotiations.
