European Court of Justice:

Grant contract instead of employment contract for

foreigners working on thesis may be unlawful

Dutch universities who have foreigners working on their thesis with a grant instead of an employment contract (with salary and social benefits) may be breaching European law.

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VAWO: Scientists' Union

For scientists, by scientists

The VAWO is union of scientists, formed and directed by scientists. Our members work at Dutch universities, medical centres and research institutes. Since 1963, we have been striving for both the common as the individual interests of our members, scientists as wel as non-scientific employees.

VAWO respresentitives are involved in the negotations of the collective labour agreements and local arrangements. Furthermore, we offer our members free legal assistance in disputes with employers.
The VAWO aims at fostering the circumstances in which scientific education and research prospers. That is why the VAWO formulates advice on scientific policy matters, both on demand as of its own accord.

History and goals

The VAWO was formed in 1963 by scientists wishing to gain influence on scientific policies and labour conditions. This goal still needs pursuing.

At present over 55% of the scientists at Dutch universities work on fixed-term contracts. Especially postdoctoral fellows and ‘promovendi’ (graduates) can exercise little influence on university policies. The VAWO seeks to improve their scientific career chances and enhance their influence. The Landelijk Postdoc- en Promovendiplatform (National Postdoc and PhD platform) is a section of the VAWO.
The VAWO also defends the interests of scientists with permanent contracts and non-scientific employees.

VAWO's policies and priorities are set by its members. A general meeting is held twice a year. Members are also consulted through e-mail, for instance on the targets for and results of the negotiations of the collective labour agreements.

Once a year the VAWO organizes a conference on scientific policy matters. Our magazine VAWO Visie is published four times a year. Furthermore, the digital VAWO-Nieuwsbrief informs members on current and urgent maters.

Subscription

VAWO subscription fees are income dependent, and for 2010 range from € 60,- to € 213,-. Members with fixed-term contracts and a gross monthly income between € 1.800,- en € 4.000,- are entitled to a 25% reduction on their subscription.

Employees of universities and medical centres can have their union subscription (or part of it) paid from their gross salary, which may lead up to a 50% tax advantage on the fee. The personnel department at your institution can provide further information.

As a member of the VAWO you can obtain considerable reductions on insurance policies (at Meeùs and OHRA) and benefits on housing.. This could even make a membership profitable!

You can subscribe to the VAWO right now by going to the Lid worden/Aanmelding section. The subscription fees are also shown there.