Frequently Asked Questions about the ABU
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BLUELYNX - Frequently Asked Questions about the ABU
- How many phases are there?
- Is it possible to be contracted “gedetacheerd” in phase A?
- What happens with my phase categorisation if I do not work for a couple of months?
- What will the ABU CAO do for me?
- What is a periodical salary increase “periodiek”? And why do I get a periodical salary increase?
- What are the most important aspects of the CAO for temporary workers?
- Who determines the rules of the CAO for temporary workers?
1. How many phases are there?
There are three phases A, B & C
In Phase A you are a temporary worker “uitzendkracht”. Employment in Phase A can last for up to a period of 78 weeks.
When your Phase A contract is nearing completion, Blue Lynx will contact you in order to discuss future employment opportunities; the nature of this continuation will depend on whether there is a continuation of your current position or another position via Blue Lynx at another company. Your performance, experience and availability will be taken into consideration.
In the event that you continue employment through Blue Lynx after Phase A, you will receive an employment contract for a fixed period in Phase B and be employed as a contractor (gedetacheerd) as opposed to a temporary worker (utzendkracht). Phase B can last up to a maximum of 2 years and during this period you can receive 8 separate employment contracts - all for a fixed period.
Upon successful completion of Phase A & B, and employment does not come to an end you will continue your employment in the final phase namely Phase C. During this period of employment you will be employed for a continuous period that is to say you will have a “definite” employment contract (permanent employment).
2. Is it possible to be contracted “gedetacheerd” in phase A?
Yes, it is possible to be employed for a fixed period in Phase A. If during this fixed term period there is no work for you, then you will not be paid. Blue Lynx will of course do everything to find you new work. The worked weeks during this contract are part of the 78 weeks in phase A.
3. What happens with my phase categorisation when I do not work for a couple of months?
The same is applicable in all phases A, B & C, if you do not work for a period longer than 26 weeks for Blue Lynx then any future employment with Blue Lynx will commence in the initial phase A.
If you do not work for a period longer than 13 weeks in phase B (but less than 26 weeks), then you will go back to the beginning of phase B.
If you terminate your contract during Phase C (not matter how short it is), you will go back to Phase B.
4. What will the ABU CAO do for me?
In the CAO for temporary workers “uitzendkrachten” the terms and conditions pertaining the legal rights of a flex worker, general laws, general rulings and employment conditions are deposited/lodged.
5. What is a periodical salary increase “periodiek”? And why do I get a periodical salary increase?
A periodical salary increase “periodiek” is a salary increase of 2.75% of your salary (exclusive additional surcharges (remunerations)). These periodical salary increases take place after every 52 weeks worked when you are being paid conform the CAO for temporary workers salary regulations/rulings and not conform the salary rulings of the company (that is to say where you are working).
6. What are the most important rulings/features of the CAO for temporary workers?
The current CAO for temporary workers commenced on March 29th 2004 and is legally binding for the period 2004 – 2009.
The main rulings/features:
The longer the period you work for a temping agency (uitzendbureau) the more rights you obtain. This occurs in a number of phases.
Phase A
Within this period you are for a period of 78 weeks a temporary worker (uitzendkracht).
Thereafter you move into the next Phase B.
Phase B
During this period you can work for a maximum of 2 years with a maximum of 8 contracts all of which are for a fixed term (bepaaldetijd). When you remain working for the same temping agency directly after this phase you will move on into Phase C.
Phase C
After successfully completing Phase B and you move into Phase C (whilst working for the same temping agency) you will be employed for a definite (permanent) period.
Education Fund
After the first 26 weeks of employment Blue Lynx will reserve a monthly contribution for your personal education. This reserve can be used for personal training and courses when you enter Phase B.
Pension
When you are 21 or older a pension premium plan will commence after you have completed your first 26 weeks of work.
Remuneration
When you have worked 26 weeks in the same company “client” you are entitled to the same remuneration as an employee directly employed by the company and who is employed in the same function. The remuneration package consists of: salary, salary increases, surcharges, travel allowances and ADV days.
7. Who determines the rules of the CAO for temporary workers?
The Algemene Bond Uitzendonderneming (ABU) as representatives of the employers and the FNV Bondgenoten, CNV Dienstenbond and De Unie (Union for Industry & the Service Sector) as representatives of employees.