This new collective labor agreement reflects a modern labor policy that focuses on the personal situation of employees, their health and the environment.
Alexandra van Huffelen, State Secretary for Kingdom Relations and Digitalization, recently signed the new Collective Labor Agreement (CAO) for government employees, which represents an important step in improving employment conditions for civil servants. This agreement, which runs from July 1, 2024 to December 31, 2025, includes an 8,5 percent salary increase that takes effect on June 1. In addition, €50 will be added to the scale amounts and the Individual Choice Budget (IKB) will be increased to 16,5 percent.
In the context of sustainability, the parties have: agreed to meet to reserve a budget of €2025 million in 10 to further make the government more sustainable. This budget will be used to develop a government-wide vision on transport and to follow up on the pilot sustainable Central Government Collective Labor Agreement. The aim is to reduce CO2 emissions and promote more sustainable transport options, such as the use of electric bicycles and the integration of Mobility as a Service (MAAS) systems.
The vision on transport, as described in the collective labor agreement, includes a revision of the reimbursement system for business travel, including commuting and business travel. The emphasis is on encouraging sustainable forms of transport, with attention to regional differences and the accessibility of work locations.
The new Central Government Collective Labor Agreement, which runs from July 1, 2024 to December 31, 2025, introduces a number of important changes and improvements to the employment conditions of government civil servants.
"A memorable moment this morning when I signed the agreement on the new Central Government Collective Labor Agreement! As of June 1, the salary will be increased by 8.5 percent, an amount of €50 will be added to the scale amounts and the Individual Choice Budget (IKB) will be increased to 16.5 percent.”
There is also an interesting progress in reimbursements for bicycle use. With effect from October 1, 2024, the kilometer allowance for cycling will increase from €0,07 to €0,21. This applies to both commuting and business trips made by bicycle. This emphasizes the government's commitment to encouraging healthy and environmentally friendly transport among its employees. Finally, the lease bicycle scheme, which was introduced as a pilot in 2020, will be continued government-wide as of January 1, 2025.
notable adjustments
In addition to transport, the collective labor agreement offers a new facility from 2025 whereby employees can use a maximum of €2000 per year from their IKB to repay their student debt. This measure is especially relevant given the increasing concerns about student financing and the financial burden of young workers. Furthermore, fully paid care leave has been expanded from 2 to 4 weeks and can be taken flexibly. This offers employees more space to take on care responsibilities without loss of income, a step that significantly improves the work-life balance.
