University staff to receive 4.1% pay rise under new collective labour agreement

University staff are set to receive an average pay rise of 4.1 percent next year under a new collective labour agreement. The deal includes a 3.1 percent wage increase, an additional monthly payment of 50 euros, and a one-off bonus of 1,534 euros. The agreement was concluded between universities and trade unions.

The collective labour agreement also contains measures aimed at supporting employees who have recently had a child. According to trade union CNV, PhD candidates will have their contracts extended by one month if they are breastfeeding or expressing milk, in recognition of the reduced time available for research and the potential impact on study progress and career development. The agreement also states that allowances will continue to be paid during maternity leave.

The agreement further stipulates that universities will give greater attention to menopause, with the aim of providing better support for female staff experiencing the transition.

The umbrella association Universities of the Netherlands, which represents 14 universities, says it wants to use the new collective labour agreement to work towards an environment “in which employees feel valued, safe and supported”.

The new collective labour agreement will remain in effect until 1 July next year and covers approximately 66,000 employees.