'The Works Council has every confidence that we will work out something that everyone is happy with'
In May 2021, Dow’s new pension scheme working group met for the first time, seeking to develop a robust pension scheme for the future – for all employees. We asked Alex van Noort, a member of the pension working group who represents employees, about the new scheme.
‘There was a general agreement made between the government and employers of course, but there are still lots of details to flesh out. So, we haven’t been able to make any major progress with the working group yet. Also, when the group first got down to business, we didn’t really have a way of comparing with what other companies do. And that’s important, because we want to offer a pension that’s at least as good as our competitors’.
Have your personal circumstances changed? Check your pension!
Are you planning to move in with someone? Moving or buying a house? Then check your pension. Even if you become incapacitated for work or are getting divorced, it’s important to know what will happen to your pension. You can make change in My Pension Figures, the secure environment on our website.
‘The Board sometimes asks us whether we agree with a decision’
Frank van der Meer has been appointed Chair of the Accountability Body (Council), taking over from Els van de Velde. We meet the new chair to find out more about him.
‘I started my career at Dow as an Engineer in Terneuzen nineteen years ago. After several positions in Operations and a side step into HR, I was a Site Leader for Dow for a while in Seneffe in Belgium. I’ve been back in Terneuzen for nine months now, working as Polyurethanes Production Manager, with an active role on the leadership team here.
Want to check your pension quickly? Download the Pension Checker app!
You can check your pension quickly and easily, just like your bank balance – thanks to the Pension Checker app. The Pension Checker clearly shows you how much of a pension you will get, when you can retire, how saving more will affect your pension, and whether you can stop working earlier. Download the app from the App Store (iOS) or the Google Play Store (Android).
When can you retire?
Imaging your dream come true: not having to work anymore. Just doing whatever you want. Your dream will come true one day... But when? Watch the video to find out.
More than 2,600 people have gone digital! Will you be joining them?
In late 2021, you received a letter from us saying that we would like to make all your pension information digital. Digital is faster and more up-to-date than a paper version. Moreover, e-mail is cheaper than a paper version, so there are fewer costs for the pension fund.
More than 2,600 members have now provided their e-mail address to go digital. Are you one of them? If not, log in to My Pension Figures and enter your e-mail address. Our former employees don’t receive this newsletter, so if you know someone who used to work for Dow, please pass the message on!