The VAWO is merging with the AOb! What does this mean for PhD candidates?

VAWO members voted overwhelmingly in favor of the merger with the General Education Union (AOb) . Of all votes cast, 97% were in favor. AOb members also approved the merger. This means that, starting January 1, 2020, the interests of VAWO members will be represented by the AOb. To facilitate this, the AOb will establish a new sector specifically for higher education and research (WO&O).

But what will change for you as a member?

Remains the same or improves:

• Legal assistance will remain available. Regardless of how long someone has been a VAWO member, everyone who is currently a VAWO member is entitled to legal assistance starting January 1, 2020. This can even include a lawyer if necessary.
• The AOb also sits at the collective labor agreement table to negotiate a strong collective labor agreement;
• The AOb continues to draw attention to important themes such as the PhD education experiment, but also topics such as the extremely high workload, the intertwining of education and research, equal opportunities and social safety remain on the agenda;
• Events organized by VAWO (the opening of the Academic Year and the Academy Kiss) will continue. The union will also be present at PhD days as usual.
• Finally, the people stay! The local representatives, board, and staff will continue to work for you!

What will change then:

• The name is changing. VAWO becomes AOb WO&O;
• Membership fees are changing. The AOb uses a different income-based system. For PhD candidates, this means the monthly fee will increase from €6 to €17.85. Many universities offer tax-deductible conversions for this fee. Furthermore, to compensate for the increase, membership is free for the first three months.
• The VAWO Visie (Higher Education Vision) is being discontinued. It will be replaced by the monthly Onderwijsblad (Education Magazine) , which covers all sectors, including higher education and higher education.
• The website and contact information are changing. The AOb website will include information about collective labor agreements, legal advice, and events.

The look may change, but the feel remains the same. The VAWO is proud to champion the interests of PhD candidates, often in collaboration with PNN. It's no wonder a PNN board member has served on the VAWO board for years. Within the AOb (Dutch Academic Union), PNN also continues to advocate for better employment conditions and a stronger position for PhD candidates. PNN looks forward to a successful collaboration with AOb WO&O in the fight for sound science.