In recent weeks, many hospitality staff have shared their opinions via our CLA survey! The initial responses highlight clear themes: fair pay, reduced work pressure, and a good work-life balance.
Talking with staff and employers
In recent weeks, we travelled across the country and visited various hospitality businesses. There, we spoke with staff about their work. What makes working in hospitality so enjoyable? What challenges do they face? And what do they believe needs improvement?
This resulted in many open and valuable conversations. Not only with staff but also with employers. They spoke about issues such as COVID-19 debts that still need to be repaid, rising purchase prices, and the impact of the VAT increase on accommodation.
What we hear varies from one staff member to another. Some are satisfied, while others see plenty of room for improvement. And sometimes the question arises: is anything actually done with my opinion? Certainly. Because the more staff speak out, the better we understand what is happening on the work floor. And the stronger we will be at the negotiating table.
Visible on the streets
We also made our presence known on the streets. For our square events, we took De Horecabond's stand and bus across the country. We have already engaged in conversations with hospitality staff and employers in various cities. We also involved guests in our campaign.
Guests received a sweet from us with a special task: give it to a hospitality staff member. A small gesture of appreciation for everyone who works hard every day to ensure others have a good time, especially during the busy summer months.
Meanwhile, we urged as many hospitality staff as possible to make their voices heard: roar for a better CLA and fill in the survey at Brul.nu!
We move into catering after the summer
After the summer holidays, we will continue and visit catering companies as well. This is particularly important in light of the upcoming changes. From 1 January 2027, new staff in catering and those receiving a contract extension will fall under the CLA hospitality.
Are you already working in catering with a permanent contract? Then nothing changes for you. Your Updates employment conditions remain in effect.
Haven't participated yet? Make your voice heard!
The survey remains open until the end of September. After that, we will compile all the responses and, together with the CLA committee, determine our approach for the CLA negotiations.
Do you want to know how the CLA process will proceed? Then also read my earlier blog ‘From campaign to CLA’.
Have you not filled in the survey yet? Do so now! Your opinion counts. The more staff make their voices heard, the stronger we will be at the negotiating table.
Marlotte Ferouge
union representative hospitality