Contract and CAO
Contract
If you have found work, you will receive a contract. It contains employment conditions (= agreements about the work). How many hours a week you work, what your salary is, whether you have a probationary period, how much holiday you get, and when you start work. Probationary period = trying out the work. You can then resign every day (stop yourself) or be fired (you have to stop).
CAO
CAO is an agreement that applies to large groups
The collective labor agreement contains agreements between all employers and employees for one sector. You have rights (what you get from the boss) and duties (what you have to do for the job).
Unions
The Unions in the Netherlands
The Netherlands has several important unions, but three major players stand out:
1. Federation of Dutch Trade Unions (FNV):
This is the largest union with a typical social democratic orientation. The focus of this union is relate to a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, education, transport, and government.
2. Christian National Trade Union Federation (CNV):
This union has an orientation that can be described as “Christian democratic”.
The focus resembles the one of the FNV.
3. Other unions
There are more unions like
a. Trade Union Federation for Professionals (VCP):
b. De Unie: Represents public transport workers and has a strong presence in major cities.
Taks of the unions
Overall tasks of unions:
They negotiate for collective bargaining agreements (CAO). Thus menas that they negotiate on topics like; a better salary and less working hours.
Furthermore they provide legal aid, campaign for better working conditions and wages and promote workers’ rights. Finally they deal with education and training by offering training and educational programs to members on various topics related to work.
Negotiate