Right to be heard: make your voice heard
Are you receiving pension from PME? Or did you accrue pension with us in the past? Then, according to the law, you have a right to be heard. Read more about what it is and how it works below.
Towards new pension rules
The Netherlands is introducing new rules for pensions. These better suit the way we live and work right now. What does this mean for your pension at PME? That is not certain yet. Employers and employees - the so-called social partners - are currently discussing the matter. They will agree how and when PME will switch to the new rules.
Let your voice be heard through an association
The agreements made are relevant to pensioners. And to everyone who accrued pension with PME in the past. Under the law, all these interested parties have the right to be heard. In Dutch this is called hoorrecht. They can share their points of view with the social partners through an association. Social partners are free in the way in which they implement the right to be heard. However, they must respond to points presented by the associations. Are you a pensioner or former participant and do you want to make your voice heard? You can do so in two ways:
- Join an existing association of pensioners or former participants of the fund.
- Find like-minded people and start your own association.
Joining an existing association
We want everyone to feel heard. That is why we closely monitor which associations want to exercise the right to be heard. We bring these associations to everyone's attention. On this website, for instance, or in PME Magazine. To date, we know of one association. For more information about it, see the text box below.
Terms and conditions for associations
Is an association planning to exercise the right to be heard? Then a number of conditions apply:
- The association must meet the statutory requirements that apply to associations.
- The articles of association must state that the association promotes the interests of pensioners or former participants of the fund.
- The association must represent at least 1,000 PME pensioners. Or at least 1,000 people who accrued pension with PME in the past.
- The association must report to the social partners before 1 July 2023.
How to register as an association
Do you represent an association of pensioners and/or former participants? And does that association want to exercise its right to be heard? Then register the association with the Raad van Overleg in de Metalektro (ROM), the consultative body of social partners in our industry. Please note: only contact the ROM if you want to register an association. Do you have a question about the new pension rules? PME will be happy to help you.
Email
info@romcao.nl
Telefoon
+31 (0)70 317 19 00
Mail
Stichting Raad van Overleg in de Metalektro (ROM)
PO Box 407
2260 AK Leidschendam
The Netherlands
Answers to your key questions
The employers' and employees' organisations represented in the Raad van Overleg in de Metalektro (ROM):
- FME (employers)
- FNV Metaal (employees)
- CNV Vakmensen (employees)
- De Unie (employees)
- VHP2 (employees)
Yes, the Senate approved the new pension rules on 30 May 2023. The new rules take effect on 1 July 2023. Pension funds are expected to switch to the new rules before 1 January 2028.
The social partners are currently discussing the matter. Together, they decide how and when current pensions at PME will be converted to the new system. And what the consequences are for people who are accruing pension, have accrued pension or are already receiving pension.
The final agreements between social partners are laid down in a so-called transition plan. PME will publish the transition plan on its website.
No. The government has decided not to allow an individual right of objection. This has been replaced by the collective right to be heard. This means you can only let your voice be heard through an association of pensioners or former participants.
No. The right to be heard is intended for people who are receiving a pension from PME. And for everyone who accrued pension with PME in the past. Are you currently building up pension with PME and would you like your voice to be heard? Then contact your trade union. They represent your interests, including pension matters.