Employers Newsletter

December 2022

Pensions are increasing by 10.84%

Bpf Koopvaardij tries to increase the pensions each year with a supplement. The aim of this supplement is to increase the pensions to some extent in line with the cost of living in the past year. The board considers it justified to decide that the pensions will be increased by 10.84% as of 1 January 2023.

Change to key figures in January

Each year, we adjust the amounts and percentages for the pension scheme. That may be necessary due to changes in the pension regulations or decisions by the employees’ and employers’ organisations in the merchant shipping industry. You will find this information on our website in January.

New cooperation on payroll audits 

Wage auditors from our administrator MN regularly visit employers affiliated to Bpf Koopvaardij to coordinate wage data. From 1 January 2023, a combination of MN and BDO Accountants will carry out these payroll audits.

Calculating the pensionable salary

For a correct contribution calculation, it is vital that you calculate the pensionable salary correctly. In addition to a basic salary, pensionable salary also consists of allowances, including an overtime fixed sum and extra fixed sum. Do you want to know how this is calculated?

Receiving your bill digitally in the near future?

Currently, you receive information about our pension scheme mainly by post. We are working hard to send more information digitally. This is convenient for your administration and also better for the environment. We are starting with our invoice. It will soon be possible to receive the invoice by e-mail. If you are interested, communicate your contact person now. You can do so in the Koopvaardij Portal. Log in with eHerkenning. If your contact person changes, you can also let us know in the Portal.

Uncertainty regarding lump sum pension choice

You may have heard of a lump sum. In the case of a lump sum, an employee who retires can withdraw up to 10% of his or her pension pot in one go. There is still uncertainty about the law governing the lump sum. The law is scheduled to take effect as of 1 July 2023, but is not yet approved by the Dutch House of Representatives and the Senate. Therefore, we do not know now whether it will be possible to opt for a lump sum from 2023. We will keep you informed via our website.

Your employee and paid parental leave

Employees can take nine (9) weeks of paid parental leave after the birth of their child. They apply for this leave with you as the employer and it is paid by the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV). Paid parental leave complements statutory leave arrangements, such as additional post-birth leave.

Pensions can be applied for digitally

Employees can apply for their pension entirely digitally in the revamped pension planner in My Koopvaardij. Just viewing pension choices? Making calculations but not yet applying? That’s also possible, of course!

Change on the board

From 1 January 2023, Chantal Boekkooi will join the board of Bpf Koopvaardij. Already a prospective board member, she will take over the seat on behalf of pensioners from Peter van der Horst as of 1 January. With the earlier appointments of Eric Rutgers (on behalf of pensioners), Richard Devue (on behalf of employers) from 1 July 2022 and Sacha van Hoogdalem (external board member) from 1 September 2022, the board is now complete. If you want to know more about the board, read more on our website.

Season’s Greetings and a Happy New Year!