Recently, we've been receiving many questions about the future of the CLA catering. Understandably so, as changes are on the horizon. In this blog, I explain what's happening, what it means for you as a catering employee, and why you don't need to worry immediately.
Why is the CLA catering ending?
Most employers in the catering industry are now affiliated with Koninklijke hospitality Nederland. They no longer wish to establish a separate CLA. As a result, there will soon be no new CLA catering.
To ensure that catering employees maintain good working conditions, the sector is transitioning to the CLA hospitality. This provides clarity and certainty for new employees regarding agreements about work, salary, and employment conditions.
What does this mean for catering employees?
For most employees, little will change for the time being. Are you currently working under the CLA catering? Then your Updates employment conditions will remain in effect. This has been agreed upon by trade unions and employers. If you are offered a new contract after 1 January 2027, it may include the CLA hospitality instead of the CLA catering. Therefore, always check with your employer to see exactly what changes.
Why don't you need to worry immediately?
Trade unions and employers have agreed that employees will not be disadvantaged by the transition. Do you have a permanent contract? Then your Updates employment conditions will remain in effect. We understand that this change raises questions, especially in a sector that has seen many changes in recent years. Therefore, we will continue to provide step-by-step explanations about what changes and what stays the same.
What will change?
From 1 July, members in the catering sector will receive a questionnaire from us. This will not only cover catering but also hospitality. This is important because this CLA will soon apply to the catering sector as well.
What happens to salaries?
With the transition to the CLA hospitality, the salary scale of the CLA hospitality will apply. This is already almost the same as the salary scale in part B of the CLA catering. Your Updates salary will remain the same unless you are placed in a higher pay grade due to the transition.
Will you need to sign a new contract?
No, usually not. If you are offered a new employment contract after 1 January 2027, or possibly earlier, do not sign it immediately. Let us review it first. This way, we can check together what changes and if everything is correct.
What questions do we receive the most?
Many employees wonder what exactly this change means for them. Will my salary remain the same? Will the entire CLA hospitality apply? Do I need to sign a new contract? Will my employment conditions change after all? These are very understandable questions. Therefore, we will continue to inform employees about what changes and what stays the same in the coming period.
What does the timeline look like?
In the coming weeks, trade unions and Koninklijk hospitality Nederland will continue discussions about the transition of employment conditions. Many agreements have already been laid out in a letter of intent. The foundation is already there.
Additionally, in the coming weeks, we will visit various companies to speak with employees and answer questions. We will also organise several online meetings in the first two weeks of June. During these meetings, we will explain what changes and you can ask questions.
From 1 July, as a catering employee, you will receive the questionnaire about the CLA hospitality. In the autumn, negotiations on the CLA hospitality will begin, and from 1 January 2027, the catering sector will officially join this CLA.
Do you have questions or concerns?
Do you feel uncertain or have questions about your situation? Please feel free to contact us via bestuurders@dehorecabond.nl.
We understand that change can be daunting. That is why we will continue to provide explanations, answer questions, and advocate for good working conditions in catering in the coming period.
Regards,
Annemieke Jacobs
Catering and recreation officer