Works Council Election
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.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
By Kees Kerkhoven, Policy Officer Safety Improvement,
Safety, Health & Environment programme at CREFM
A theme of crucial importance to the Works Council
Diversity, inclusion, and equity are major themes in TU Delft’s policy. It is often referred to by the abbreviations DIE or DEI. We see this in practice on campus through the all-gender toilets and reflection rooms. There is also a lot of attention for gender equality, and the Progress flag flies prominently in front of the Aula every day.
At the same time, not enough attention is given to the interests of those who are limited in their work or study on campus due to a disability or chronic illness. Recently, the Student Council and the Subcommittee for University Services have, separately, urged the Executive Board to pay more attention to this.
Another part of DIE is treating each other equally. The investigation by the Education Inspectorate focuses, among other things, on disadvantages within the TU. In 2025, the national House of Whistleblowers had seen a 50% increase in reports of abuse at work, of which 90% concern prejudices. So, this is a very common problem. This does not mean that prejudice is ‘normal’, but that a clear position must be taken against it.
The FNV wholeheartedly supports these initiatives for greater equality. DIE is also a theme that the FNV is campaigning for nationally, as you can read at FNV.nl/actie. The FNV faction in the Works Council also ensures that this theme remains high on the board’s agenda. Your membership of the FNV helps us to do this within TU Delft and nationally on behalf of a broad constituency.
Get to know your union!
Our continuing series in helping you connect with your union.
Gisela Wubben – Union sector consultant
My name is Gisela Wubben and I have been working for the TU in the finance department for over 33 years, and I have also been a member of FNV for almost that long. For many years I helped fellow members with tax returns for the FNV, unfortunately I had to stop this a few years ago because I was quite busy at the time.
Fortunately, this very busy period has been over for a while and when I was asked more than 2 years ago if I would like to follow certification for union consultant. I did not have to think about it for long and I started the training in January 2024. In March 2024 I certified as a general consultant and because I had been in this position here at the TU for several months, I started in April. In June 2024, I completed the last part of the training and am now an official union sector consultant and can therefore carry out the tasks that come with this.
What does a union sector consultant do?
The most important thing is that you can contact me with questions relating to the work here at the TU. If I can answer them for you, I will do so, if it concerns a legal issue I will ensure that it ends up with our lawyers, provided you have been a member for some time.
As a sector consultant, I can also be an observer during conversations, for example with HR or your manager, after we have prepared this well in advance. I will stop when the question has been answered, the problem has been resolved to your satisfaction, or it has been referred to the legal department.
Every Tuesday you can find me on the 9th floor in Building 26C room C9.130, I am there from 11:00 am or email me FNV@tudelft.nl . If you have any questions about the TU, please contact us and we will work together to find an answer.
Get to know your union!
Our continuing series in helping you connect with your union.
Zoë Gromotka – Union Officer
My name is Zoë Gromotka, and since last March, I have been a union officer at TU Delft on behalf of the FNV. I got to know TU Delft both as a student and as an employee. I completed my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in applied mathematics here. Subsequently, I did a PhD program at Ghent University, where I discovered my passion for education. Since August 2022, I have been back as a lecturer at the Delft Institute of Applied Mathematics (DIAM), providing interfaculty mathematics education throughout the entire TU.
The education budget cuts and the subsequent strike brought me into contact with FNV and its presence at TU. I was inspired by the dedication of the steward-members and saw how important a visible union is at the university. Because the position of union officer had been vacant for some time, I decided to take the step and contribute personally to strengthening the union at TU.
What does a union official do?
As a union official at the FNV, I organize actions, campaigns, and demonstrations to mobilize employees on issues such as working conditions, workload, and social security. I maintain contact with work-councils and union officials, gather feedback from the work floor, and determine the strategy for campaigns and negotiations together with active members.
Additionally, I organize meetings, engage in dialogue with employees on the work floor, recruit new active members, and guide teams of volunteers and union officials. Setting up public campaigns and press events is also part of my duties, with the aim of making the voice of employees visible and influential.
I look forward to working with members and steward-members on a strong, visible union that stands up for the interests of all TU Delft employees.