Labour unions
In this section, we outline the importance of joining a labor union as a PhD candidate. However, in the Netherlands not all PhD candidates work on their thesis under the same conditions, and the benefits of joining a union might differ. Do you not know (yet) which contract you have? Go to this page to find out!
The importance of joining a labor union
It is often wrongly assumed that labor conditions are determined unilaterally by your employer. This is a misconception. Without the contribution of labor unions in the Netherlands, working conditions would look very different. Over the years labor unions have struggled for the banning of child labor, the 8-hour work day, pay during pregnancy and illness, and vacation and holiday allowances, among many other things.
Nowadays, the labor unions are some of PNN’s main partners in our effort to improve the conditions of all PhD candidates. Labor unions work with PNN and our member organizations to ensure the representation of PhD candidate’s interests in Collective Labor Agreement (CLA)negotiations, and at many other levels. Labor unions also influence national policy decisions and play a key role in monitoring and improving working conditions at universities, UMC’s and research institutions. Finally, labor unions provide information and legal support to individual members, including on PhD related issues.
Om promovendi te kunnen blijven vertegenwoordigen, hebben ze ook promovendi nodig die lid worden. Voor promovendi zijn de meest relevante vakbonden de AOb, FNV en CNV, afhankelijk van waar je een arbeidsovereenkomst hebt en je eigen voorkeur. Sommige vakbonden, zoals AOb en FNV, bieden speciale lidmaatschapstarieven voor promovendi zonder dienstverband.
PNN works especially close with AOb and CNV at the UMC’s. For more information on joining them and membership benefits, please go to their websites:
- AOb: https://www.aob.nl/en/lid-worden/veelgestelde-vragen-promovendi/
- FNV: https://www.fnv.nl/lidmaatschap/voordelen-van-het-lidmaatschap#/
- CNV: https://www.cnv.nl/lid-worden/
Individual assistance
Aside from the collective benefits, union members also enjoy a variety of individual benefits. Union members are not on their own in the event of a conflict with their employer. Labor unions have specialized legal staff who can go line by line through agreements and discuss all the potential problems that might affect you as an individual, depending on your circumstances.
Every year, PNN receives requests for help from PhD candidates who have a conflict with their employer. A simple conversation with the employer often no longer seems to be an option and professional legal assistance is urgently needed. For example, when the employer refuses to pay the outstanding leave days at the end of the employment contract. In many cases, the PhD candidate cannot go anywhere for legal assistance. The PhD candidate often does not have the money for legal support. If the PhD candidate is not a member of a labor union, he or she is on his or her own. PNN does not have a legal service to provide PhD candidates with legal assistance. A referral to other agencies is the only thing PNN can do in such a case.
Labor union for non-employed PhD candidates
Non-employed PhD candidates can also sign up as members of labor unions, and we encourage you to do so as a way to join efforts and gain a stronger collective voice. This way, you can also gain access to the membership benefits of the labor union, such as legal assistance in case you come in conflict with your institution.
Are you currently experiencing issues during your PhD that you need help with?
Most institutions have a number of contact points for help. This compass is designed to help you find the right support.
In the drop-down menu you can select the institution that you are doing your PhD at. Then the roadmap will show you available contact points. In most cases it makes sense to start by considering contact points in your immediate work environment first and then progress to higher levels (like institutional or national).
At the bottom of the page you can find some examples of problems you can run into and a list of descriptions of each contact point.
Your first contact points
Colleagues: Sometimes it can already help to talk with your colleagues about the issue you are experiencing. This will help you judge the severity of it and can provide you with allies in taking further action.
Daily supervisor*: Naturally, your daily supervisor is the first contact point for all issues. They can help you determine the next steps. Of course, you may not feel comfortable discussing everything with your supervisor, or maybe your daily supervisor is involved in the issue. In these cases have a look at the other available contact points.
Promotor or Co-Supervisor*: Especially, in cases of issues with your daily supervisor, consider reaching out to your promotor or another member on the supervision team and ask for a one-on-one meeting. Maybe they can (temporarily) step-up and help you resolve the issue.If you have a conflict with your supervisor(s), you can also have a look at the PNN PhD supervisor conflict roadmap.
*Note that your annual review talk with your supervisory team is a good opportunity to address issues or suggestions for improvement.
National contact points
Labor unions: Organizations representing the interests of academic staff, offering support on employment-related matters, rights, and fair treatment.
NWO Scientific Integrity Desk: A specialized desk addressing scientific integrity concerns in projects related to or funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO).
Netherlands Board of Research Integrity (LOWI): An independent body handling complaints related to scientific integrity, providing a platform for fair investigation. If you feel like the local scientific integrity committee at your institution did not handle a case correctly, the LOWI can be the next contact point.
Making a police report: In cases involving a criminal offense, please consider contacting local law enforcement to report incidents and seek assistance.