In my previous blog, I talked about the preparations for the CLA campaign in the hospitality sector. Now, one and a half months later, it's time: the campaign is starting!
Of course, our hospitality pro Tigo plays an important role again. This year, he is joined by Tiga, the new face of catering. This is not without reason. We are negotiating a new CLA that will apply to both hospitality and catering staff. Together, Tigo and Tiga are strong and they urge everyone in the sector to make their voices heard.
Your voice makes the difference
Before we can negotiate a new CLA, we need to know what's happening on the work floor. That's why we're already heading to the work floor to find out what's going on. This summer, we will actively engage with employees from the hospitality and catering sectors. Through a questionnaire, we collect ideas, wishes, and issues. The more people participate, the better we know what is important. And the stronger we are at the negotiation table.
From wishes to proposals
We then discuss the results of the questionnaire with our CLA committee. This committee consists of members of De Horecabond, colleagues from the field who know what's happening on the work floor. Together, they determine which topics are most important. Based on that, we draft a proposal letter for the employers. Employers also gather wishes from their supporters. They then send their proposals to the unions.
Time for negotiations
After that, the negotiations begin. This is often the most exciting phase of the whole process. On the employers' side, Koninklijke hospitality Nederland (KHN) represents the sector. De Horecabond and CNV represent employees. A member of our CLA committee always attends the negotiations as an observer.
We agree in advance on the minimum number of negotiation rounds. During these discussions, both parties put their proposals on the table, exchange ideas, and look for solutions that everyone can agree on.
What is a mandate?
Together with the CLA committee, we determine our mandate in advance. This is the scope within which we are allowed to negotiate on your behalf.
Negotiating sometimes means giving and taking. Therefore, it is important to make clear agreements about what is possible and what is not. Some topics are so important that the CLA committee indicates that we cannot deviate from them. We hold on to those demands.
During the negotiations, we regularly contact the CLA committee. We discuss the employers' positions and determine together how we will respond.
What outcomes are possible?
If the negotiations yield a result, we review with the CLA committee whether it fits within the agreed mandate. There are several possible outcomes:
Negotiation result
Sometimes not all wishes are realised, but there is a result that both parties can work with. This is called a negotiation result. The CLA committee decides whether this result is presented to the members. Then it is up to you to vote on it.
Principle agreement
A principle agreement fits within the previously agreed mandate and has the support of the CLA committee. Therefore, it is always presented to the members with a positive recommendation.
Final offer
Sometimes employers and unions are too far apart. Then one of the parties can make a final offer. This essentially means: this is the maximum result possible. The final offer is then presented to the supporters. You decide whether it is accepted or rejected.
Voting on the result
Members and non-members can give their opinion on the result. The vote of members is decisive. The vote of non-members is important but counts as advice.
To conclude a CLA, at least one employers' organisation and one employees' organisation are needed. If a majority of KHN, CNV, and De Horecabond vote against it, the unions and employers must return to the negotiation table to come up with a new proposal. If a majority votes in favour, and this also happens with CNV and KHN, the agreement is developed into a new CLA.
What happens next?
After the agreement, the CLA is registered with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment (SZW). Usually, CLA parties also request the CLA to be declared generally binding. This means that the agreements will apply to almost all employers and employees in the sector, even if they are not members of a union or employers' organisation.
And if no agreement is reached?
It can also happen that parties do not reach an agreement. In that case, the negotiations can be halted. Sometimes a new negotiation date is immediately set. But unions can also decide to step out of the talks and organise actions or strikes.
See the negotiation process step by step.
Now it's up to you. What do you think is important for the new CLA? Make your voice heard and fill in the questionnaire at brul.nu. The more people participate, the stronger the signal we can send. On our page with CLA updates you can follow step by step how the negotiations are progressing.
Together we ensure a strong CLA for hospitality and catering!
Marlotte Ferouge
union representative hospitality