Mental health workers threaten first collective action this century

Unions CNV and FNV say talks on a new collective labour agreement (cao) for the mental health sector (GGZ) have stalled, and they consider the negotiations over. They are preparing collective action. If there is no deal, it would be the first by GGZ employees this century.

The unions have given employers an ultimatum: one last chance to meet the main demands. If employers do not move far enough, the unions say action will be unavoidable.

The unions say pay is the main sticking point. They say employers are offering a raise of 2.2% on 1 July 2027 and 2.5% on 1 July 2028. The unions demand 6% for a term of no more than twelve months.

The unions also want a Saturday-morning allowance, more room for balance leave, better rest after on-call, standby, crisis and sleeping shifts, and parking costs reimbursed. They also demand support in cases of aggression, violence and PTSD, and fair job grading under the FWG system.

Elise Merlijn of FNV Zorg & Welzijn said employers acknowledge in words how important staff are, "but do not reflect that enough in concrete terms of employment". If they will not listen at the table, she said, they will have to hear staff on the shop floor.

Chantal van Dijk of CNV said a cao must show that employers are willing to invest in their people and offer practical solutions to big problems. "That willingness is missing," she said.

The unions say any action must guarantee necessary and acute care. They say some forms of action would not leave clients without the care they need.