Trade union FNV: “Good progress” in treatment of UvA cleaning staff
More than a year after an alarming petition in which UvA cleaners complained about abuses at cleaning company Vebego, significant progress has been made. According to trade union FNV Cleaning, the majority of the complaints have now been resolved.
Over the past year, substantial progress has been made in tackling abuses affecting the UvA cleaning staff employed by Vebego. FNV Cleaning board member Herrie Hoogenboom estimates that “roughly two-thirds” of the previously reported abuses have now been addressed.
More than a year ago, cleaners raised the alarm with the university’s Executive Board (CvB) through a petition. It contained serious complaints against the management of cleaning company Vebego, which is responsible for cleaning services at the UvA. At the time, the cleaners reported being pressured and harassed, bullied, stalked during illness, or even confronted while using the restroom. In addition, employees claimed they were ignored or even threatened when they raised these issues.
Key Improvements
According to FNV, significant improvements have since been implemented. For example, the way managers address employees has changed, and agreements have been made regarding sick leave, breastfeeding, and consideration of personal limitations. As a result, cleaners are now being left more in peace. “All of this has been resolved in consultation with UvA and Vebego.”
However, not everything has been resolved. According to Hoogenboom, reducing workload remains a priority. “We are still in discussions with UvA and Vebego to further reduce the workload. This will certainly also be addressed in the new collective labor agreement negotiations starting in March. The same applies to improving the income of the cleaners.”
