TU Delft

On October 13 & 14, 2026, there will be elections for 25 seats of the Works Council. The Works Council participates in discussions about decisions of the Executive Board that directly or indirectly affect the interests of the employees. 
By Olaf Voorwinde, Manager Operations ME-MSE 

What is the most important thing that the Works Council has achieved in the past period, according to the FNV faction? 

Budgetcuts, workload and campus strategy  

Due to (geo-) political developments, TU Delft’s finances are under pressure and there are austerity plans until 2029. This is at odds with the (growth) ambitions of TU Delft. There are in-depth discussions with the Executive Board about how these changes will be tackled and there are agreements about monitoring them with regard to finances, but above all what this means for colleagues in terms of workload and job security. 

Social and physical safety 

Social safety has been high on TU Delft’s agenda in recent years. After a critical report by the Education Inspectorate, work was done on a revised integrity system and a new code of conduct. Physical safety was also given attention. Both themes remain important, because policy ultimately has to prove itself in the workplace. 

Diversity, equity and inclusion 

We drew attention to diversity and inclusion, because respectful interaction with people from different backgrounds contributes to a socially safe working environment. In addition, we will continue to work for an independent and visible DEI Office, with a firm anchoring within faculties and departments. 

Campus strategy 

With TU Delft’s growth ambitions come many wishes and plans for expanding the campus. This is at odds with the financial possibilities and maintenance and investments in existing buildings. There have been sessions and discussions with the Executive Board to find the right balance.   

What is FNV committed to? 

The FNV is the warm heart of the Works Council. We pay attention to an inclusive and safe working environment, the proper functioning of the organisation and the proper organisation of the university’s core tasks (education, research and valorisation), also in the context of TU Delft’s long-term strategy, including in the ambition of Campus Rotterdam and other partnerships.  

With our roots in the trade union FNV, we have short lines of communication to the negotiating table where our collective labor agreement between the unions and the Universities of the Netherlands are negotiated. Moreover, we are the only trade union with an office on campus where you can fall back on the experience, knowledge and clout and short lines of communication with other bodies, where the interests of our colleagues are represented. 

In follow-up newsletters, we will present ourselves with members who have nominated themselves for election to the Works Council.