Trade unions secure 3.25% wage increase for Holland Casino staff
New labour agreement inked as operator concedes need to reward staff despite falling revenue in 2021
Holland Casino employees have secured a swathe of new benefits following a deal between the operator and two Dutch trade unions.
The agreements, brokered by FNV and De Unie on behalf of Holland Casino employees, will see staff awarded a 3.25% wage increase over the next six months.
Total wages will be increased by 2.5% from 1 June, with a nominal amount of €60 added on a structural basis.
On January 1, 2023, wages will increase by another 0.75%, while workers’ minimum hourly wage at the operator has risen to €14.
Additionally, all Holland Casino employees will receive a one-off payment of €350 in July.
The new labour agreement will run until 30 September 2023, with the operator and trade unions having been in discussions during recent weeks.
In April, Dutch inflation reached 8.8% as prices for food and transport continue to rise.
Marleen Berk, Holland Casino HR director, said: “The past two years have been dominated for Holland Casino by the impact of coronavirus. We were forced to close our doors for months and were confronted with many restrictive measures.
“In the discussions about wages, we had to take into account Holland Casino’s financial position on the one hand, and inflation and the situation on the labour market on the other.
“I am pleased that we have achieved a good result in a relatively short period of time. With this increase, there is a balanced agreement that is good for our employees and for Holland Casino,” she added.
In Holland Casino’s full-year report for 2021, the Dutch firm noted its revenue decreased from €333m in 2020 to €304.2m.
The company also reported a higher tax debt, up to €281.9m while recording a 31% decrease in visits to its land-based operations.
In May, Holland Casino announced Petra de Ruiter as its new CEO from 1 September 2022 following the departure of Erwin van Lambaart.
The operator was among the first wave of companies to launch online gaming legally last October to consumers in the Netherlands.