Wages
The Universities of the Netherlands (UNL) reached a negotiation outcome with the employee organisations about the Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) for Dutch universities, which will be in effect for one year. Under this agreement, a structural pay rise of 3.1 per cent has been agreed with effect from 1 July 2026, plus an additional 50 euros gross per month. Therefore, staff members in the lower pay scales will benefit relatively more from this stipulation than staff members in the higher pay scales. On average, this will amount to a wage increase of 4.1%. All staff members will also receive a one-time gross payment of 1,534 euros, based on full-time employment. The pay increase and the one-time payment will be paid no later than October 2026.
Allowance retention during pregnancy
Allowances that staff members received prior to their pregnancy will now continue to be paid during maternity leave.
Right to disconnect
The outcome of the negotiations also includes the right to disconnect, in order to better maintain a work-life balance. The on-call and attendance allowances will also be increased so as to recognise the extra effort that specific staff members put in whilst providing these services.
Planning and other agreements
The parties to the Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) have until 20 July 2026 to consult with their members and will then decide whether this negotiation outcome will be converted into a final agreement. For the full outcome of the negotiations, including all of the agreements, please click here for (in Dutch) Onderhandelingsresultaat cao-NU 2026-2027.