Key points:
- Holland Casino rejected most union proposals in the first round of CLA negotiations, citing financial uncertainty from gaming tax increases
- The casino proposed a one-year CLA with conditional wage increases of 1 - 2.5% starting January 2026, dependent on tax policy outcomes
- De Unie maintains its position on full wage increases and opposes employees bearing the burden of government tax increases
Collective labour agreement (CLA) negotiations between Holland Casino and trade union De Unie have entered a difficult phase, with the casino operator rejecting the majority of the union’s initial proposals.
The disagreement centres on wage increases, working conditions and additional employee benefits – as well as growing concerns over the financial impact of recent and proposed gambling tax hikes.
De Unie had proposed measures including a general wage increase, the designation of 5 May as a holiday, company-paid union dues, improved provisions for informal care and remote work arrangements.
Holland Casino, however, declined most of these points, citing ‘material uncertainty’ related to tax increases.
Specifically, the company highlighted the impact of the rise in the gambling tax rate from 30.5% to 34.2% in 2025, and a proposed further increase to 37.8% in 2026.
Given these fiscal pressures, Holland Casino has proposed a one-year CLA and a conditional wage increase: a 1% raise in January 2026, with the potential to rise to 2.5% if the second tax hike does not proceed.
Good to know: The next round of negotiations is scheduled for 19 May with further sessions planned in June, though both parties acknowledge that reaching a full agreement in the short term is unlikely
The company also plans to prioritise the implementation of its ‘Occupation & Flexibility’ project this year.
De Unie expressed concern over the limited scope for wage growth and the lack of long-term vision on salary development. The union is pushing for more concrete assurances, arguing that workers should not bear the cost of government-imposed tax increases.
