Central government staff get 8.5% plus

Unions in the Netherlands have signed an 18-month deal that increases pay by 8.5% plus €50 a month from July 2024 for the around 140,000 employees in central government. This is well above inflation, which was 3.1% in March, and the €50 flat-rate component is particularly helpful for the lowest paid. As well as the increase in rates, all employees will get three lump-sum payments, €1,200 in May 2024, €800 in November 2024 and €350 in July 2025, to make up for past inflation. There are also improved procedures to combat bullying and harassment, and an increase in paid care leave from two to four weeks from 1 January 2025.