Young Academy: learning from and with each other

How does the union work? What are different styles of communication? How does a collective work and how do you ensure your message gets across? During the Young Academy, young union members tackle these questions in six thematic sessions. The Young Academy 2024 starts on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. Below you can read how three members experienced the 2023 edition. 

“I was mainly curious, which is why I joined the Young Academy. The programme appealed to me in terms of my personal Your career. For example, giving a pitch. I was also looking for more Insights. During my time as a floor manager, I often went to HR with questions about certain matters. Additionally, I hoped to make new connections and spar with peers.”

And was that the case?
“I found it very interesting right away. One of my coursemates works at Roompot. It's nice to hear how things are done there and compare it to how it goes at Center Parcs. It's also interesting to hear how things are in hospitality. We also have a group chat where we ask each other for advice.” 

What has the Young Academy brought you?
“That you are not alone. The feeling that there is always a support network reassures you. I found the visit to the House of Representatives very interesting, to see how a debate is conducted. The session on communication styles was also educational. I better understand why people react in certain ways.”

What will you take into your daily work?
“That if something really matters, you should go for it. We had a question at the company about the grading of a group of employees. We sent a letter about it, then had a good conversation, and it was resolved. You experience that you can make a difference with a support network, without it being at the expense of the company. I don't like to immediately portray an employer as the villain.”

Are you considering becoming an active member of the union?
“It seems interesting to join discussions in a conflict. It's not easy, but it seems good for my personal Your career. Also, to mean something for colleagues in that way.”

“My father always told me it's important to have a strong union. After the corona period, I noticed that many employers hid behind it at the expense of employees. That was the moment I wanted to get involved, as I've been a member for about eight years. I mainly wanted to develop in union work.”

How did you find the masterclasses?
“It was super interesting. I went in with an open mind. It's very nice to have young people around you who are different but have the same drive and interest: wanting to help others. It's great that I wasn't just in the group with chefs like myself, but also with people from tourism and recreation. The enthusiasm of teachers Louise and Ola was contagious. I learned a lot.”

What did you learn?
“I received tools to make clear why the union is relevant when talking to colleagues. It's important that you can convey that Insights. Especially now, coming from a difficult period with corona and now that things seem to be going well with employers, you notice that employees are left behind. It's important to have a good CLA because not everyone can stand up for themselves equally well. And a union does that.”

What has the Young Academy brought you? 
“I now know how the structure of the union works, how it operates. The union part was the reason for me to follow these masterclasses. Of course, the personal Your career part was also interesting. It's always good to work on your behaviour again.”

Are you considering becoming an active member of the union?
“Certainly. I want to contribute to the union. What exactly that will be, I'll see. I enjoy actively thinking about how the sector can improve, for example in discussions about the CLA. I certainly have ideas about how it can be better, and I'd like to help with that.”

Why did you follow the Masterclasses at the Young Academy?
“I had long felt the need to delve deeper into things. I saw it as a great way to develop myself and learn about the workings of FNV Horecabond. That seemed interesting to me, also because I knew little about it. Moreover, I find politics very interesting.”

And, how was it?
“We went to places you wouldn't quickly visit, like the FNV association building and the House of Representatives. And you meet people you wouldn't quickly speak to, who then tell you what their work involves, like Edwin Vlek. It's nice that I met people who also did the Young Academy and are now very active within FNV hospitality.”

What did you learn?
“What I mainly learned is how things work behind the scenes at FNV Horecabond. How a decision is made, how a CLA is established. I thought there would be more backroom politics and less input from members. But the opposite is true. I found out that you can do and say more yourself than I thought, that you have more influence than I thought.”

For example?
“If you look at how the CLA is established, you can talk to people who participate in the negotiations. There you can express how we think about it on the work floor.”

What will you take into your daily work life?
“I look at things happening on the work floor with a different perspective. The thoughts I have about it, I try to express. I have more insight into employee rights, that you have more rights than you sometimes think. For example, about asking for time off. At our place, it's well arranged; if you indicate it, a lot is possible. But not everyone knows that. I like to Card that on.”

Are you considering becoming an active member of the union? 
“I will definitely do something active. In the long term, I would like to join a CLA committee, but I'm open to many things. I find it very rewarding to contribute, in any way possible.”