Ghent Hospitals AZ Sint-Lucas and AZ Jan Palfijn Reach Labor Accord for Merged AZ Ganda

Ghent's AZ Sint-Lucas and AZ Jan Palfijn hospitals have successfully negotiated a social agreement with all trade unions regarding the employment conditions for their future merged entity, AZ Ganda. The merger is slated to take effect on January 1, 2027, creating the largest general hospital in Ghent with over 3,400 employees.

The primary challenge was bridging the distinct cultures and personnel regulations of the two hospitals, which varied in everything from work schedules and leave policies to group insurance and meal vouchers. The agreement adopts a principle of "relative equality" rather than complete harmonization. This means staff who give up a benefit will receive compensation elsewhere.

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If you look at other mergers elsewhere in the country, those negotiations can drag on much longer and cause many problems.

"If you look at other mergers elsewhere in the country, those negotiations can drag on much longer and cause many problems," said Robrecht Vanderbeeken of ACV Puls. "Some colleagues, for example, had a higher group insurance. Then their colleagues receive another benefit in compensation, such as a higher meal voucher."

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Some colleagues, for example, had a higher group insurance. Then their colleagues receive another benefit in compensation, such as a higher meal voucher.

Key conditions remain unchanged for all staff: current salary packages, the number of vacation days, and meal vouchers are untouched. Employees with "historical baggage", such as former employees or those from the former Institut Moderne, will retain their rights indefinitely. Daily working hours will be standardized to 7 hours and 36 minutes, down from 7 hours and 42 minutes. Salaries will be paid on the first calendar day of each month, and agreements on flexible working hours, standby allowances, and shift planning will be harmonized.

Job security is a significant aspect of the agreement, with Vanderbeeken emphasizing that there are no plans for collective dismissals. "We are moving towards a group of approximately 3,400 staff members. There is always some staff turnover, but large restructurings are not on the agenda. That has also been laid down," he stated. The unanimous signing by all trade unions marks a notable success, given the typical complexities of hospital mergers.

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We are moving towards a group of approximately 3,400 staff members. There is always some staff turnover, but large restructurings are not on the agenda. That has also been laid down.