KPN CLA 2026-2027: new arrangement for reservists
KPN and the trade unions have concluded a new collective labor agreement, which is valid from January 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. This agreement pays special attention to colleagues who are active or wish to become reservists in Defense. KPN colleague Mark de Wilde, customer service employee and reservist in Defense, talks about his dual role and the importance of the new arrangement.
Mark, can you briefly explain what you do at KPN?
“At KPN, I work as a customer service employee, with the main task of solving logistical challenges. This varies from locating lost packages to ensuring that equipment such as modems and TV receivers arrive on time at the customer. My colleague and I ensure behind the scenes that everything runs smoothly, especially when unexpected situations arise.”
And what does your work as a reservist in Defense look like?
“For 32 years, I have been serving as a reservist in the 10th Infantry Battalion Guarding Securing Corps National Reserve. As a non-commissioned officer, I play a central role in logistics: together with my team, I ensure that soldiers and units are provided with everything they need. My tasks are very diverse: directing personnel, managing inventory, arranging transport, and planning everything so that the unit is optimally deployable.”
What does the new reservist arrangement mean for you personally?
"Thanks to these agreements, I can better combine my work at KPN and my commitment to Defense, without it affecting my private life. This flexibility brings peace of mind, allowing me to fully focus on both roles. I am proud to contribute to a safe Netherlands in this way.”
What benefits does the arrangement offer for reservists within KPN?
“Previously, colleagues sometimes had to say ‘no’ to Defense because they could no longer take hours off. That is a shame; you want to be able to contribute when needed. Thanks to this arrangement, reservists can much better coordinate their work at KPN and their commitment to Defense. This not only increases deployability but also makes it more attractive to be a reservist.”
Do you think this arrangement helps make working as a reservist more attractive?
“Absolutely. The arrangement creates a better balance between work and private life. It makes a big difference whether you can go on vacation for two or three weeks. This arrangement makes it easier, among other things, to coordinate a longer deployment with your supervisor. I hope this encourages more colleagues to commit as reservists. Ultimately, that is not only good for Defense but also for KPN as an employer. It shows that KPN takes social responsibility seriously.”
What does KPN have to do with Defense?
“The collaboration between KPN and Defense goes back many years, over 100 years! Not only has Defense been a valued customer of KPN for years, but both organizations also fulfill an important social role in the field of security. This creates a special bond and makes it even more valuable that KPN pays attention to employees who, alongside their regular work, contribute to our national security.”
View here the new collective labor agreement and read more here.