# Mental health workers threaten first collective action this century

> Pay talks for the 117,700 mental health care staff (GGZ) have stalled, unions say, and they have given employers an ultimatum to avert action.

Economy · published 2026-10-27 18:15 · https://nlnow.nl/a/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.

## Background

- **cao (collectieve arbeidsovereenkomst)**: A collective labour agreement (cao) is a written agreement between employers and trade unions that sets pay, working hours, leave and other employment conditions for a whole sector or company. In the Netherlands these agreements are negotiated per sector and bind the employers and employees they cover, so they shape the working conditions of a large share of the workforce.
- **GGZ (Geestelijke Gezondheidszorg)**: The GGZ is the Dutch mental health care sector, covering the professional treatment, care and support given to people with psychological or psychiatric problems. It is a distinct sector with its own collective labour agreement, which sets the pay and working conditions of its employees.

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