Member Update – POLARIS Social Plan
Following negotiations, CNV and our colleague union have reached a draft agreement on the POLARIS Social Plan with Mercedes-Benz CAC Maastricht. After reviewing the final outcome, we are positive about the result and recommend voting YES on this agreement. See the draft in the attachment.
Role of the Works Council and Trade Unions
In the POLARIS reorganizationprocess, the Works Council (WOCo or OR) and the trade unions (CNV and FNV) have different responsibilities. The Works Councils role by law (WOR law) is to assess the business case, necessity and impact of the proposed reorganization and provides formal advice to the company on the reorganization itself. The trade unions do not decide on the business rationale for the reorganization; instead, by law (law WMCO) they negotiate the social consequences for employees. These agreements on redeployment, compensation, job security and support measures are laid down in the Social Plan. Unions are in contact with the works council.
The 5 most important improvements
- Enhanced severance package
- The statutory transition payment is multiplied by 2.0, with a minimum payment of €5,000 gross (pro rata for parttime employees).
- Employees receive a €3,500 gross Re-Start Bonus.
- Employees aged 55+ receive an additional multiplier of 0.2.
- Employees who register early for a voluntary agreement can receive another 0.2 multiplier
- €1,000 for legal or financial advice.
Strong focus on redeployment
Internal redeployment remains the first priority.
Employees receive priority for internal vacancies, retraining opportunities, and support through dedicated redeployment conversations.
Protection of income and benefits
Compensation for the loss of shift and standby allowances through a phased fade-out arrangement.
Retention of company bike arrangements and waiver of relocation repayment obligations.
Oversight
A Solidarity Committee will monitor the implementation of the social plan, redeployment process and fairness of internal placement decisions.
Remaining concerns
Not all union demands were achieved. We had sought higher severance payments and additional protections in several areas. Nevertheless, following negotiations we believe the overall package offers meaningful protection, financial support and redeployment opportunities for affected employees. we will monitor the process closely and if you have issues or questions just email me. r.mol@cnv.nl.
What happens next?
Members will now be asked to vote on the negotiated agreement. If approved, the Social Plan will take effect on 1 December 2026 and will apply to the POLARIS reorganisation.
Union recommendation. You will receive a separate email with your voting form.
CNV and FNV recommend that members vote YES. While no social plan can fully remove the impact of a reorganization, we believe this agreement delivers significant improvements for affected colleagues and provides the best achievable balance between job protection, redeployment opportunities and financial compensation.
Questions?
Send an email or WhatsApp or call to:
Roderik Mol, officer CNV, M: 06 2047 1890
E: r.mol@cnv.nl
