Earlier retirement in meat sector

COV, FNV and CNV have agreed for years that for employees in a production function ('Meat in the hands') continuing to work until the retirement age is (too) difficult. The social partners are pleased that the terms of the pension agreement make it possible to agree a heavy work regime. The parties have argued strongly for this, and not without success. The Meat Sector was one of the first sectors to agree on a successful and attractive scheme that took effect on 1 January 2021. A scheme that does justice to the heavy production work and has an eye for the sustainable employability of the employees.

"I am pleased that we have now agreed on this scheme together. We have been working for years to get such a scheme off the ground for our employees in the meat industry. The scheme is another good step in the path of sustainable employability in the meat industry and I am happy with that. I hope that those who can participate in the scheme will do so and make use of the opportunities offered," said Jos Goebbels, COV Chairman.

The costs of the scheme are reimbursed by the employer. The scheme encourages employees to make use of the full period - 36 months before the state pension age to stop working. In addition, the Social Partners offer employees the opportunity to ask for financial advice free of charge and the VLEP pension fund cooperates by making the calculations quickly.

"I am happy and proud that we have achieved this for our members. But it has not been an easy journey and I am glad that we as FNV have reached this result in good cooperation with the COV. I see it as an important step in the sustainable working process in the meat industry," says John Klijn Trade Union Director FNV.

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