Industry Pension Fund for Delft Residents
An industry pension fund (BPF) manages pension accrual for employees and employers in a specific sector in the Netherlands, including Delft. It provides a standard pension scheme, often mandatory under the collective labour agreement (cao). This article is tailored specifically for Delft residents and covers BPF rules, your rights, and local resources such as the Delft Legal Aid Office.
What does a BPF mean for Delft?
A BPF is an independent foundation that arranges pensions for an entire sector, such as construction projects around TU Delft, metal and engineering firms in the region, or local retail. Unlike a personal pension policy, you build up your pension collectively through contributions from both employer and employee. The fund invests the premiums and pays out later.
Features specific to Delft residents:
- Sector-wide: One uniform structure for all companies in the sector, from small workshops to large projects.
- Mandatory: Usually required for Delft businesses in the relevant sector.
- Joint governance: Managed by representatives of employers and employees.
Well-known BPFs relevant to Delft: Bpf Bouw for construction activities on the city's outskirts, bpfMT for metal & engineering, and ABP for staff at TU Delft and the municipality.
Legal framework for BPFs
BPF rules are set out in the Pension Act 2007 (PA). Key provisions:
- Art. 1(1) PA: BPF as a fund for enterprises in one industry sector.
- Art. 17-24 PA: Establishment and fund rules.
- Art. 66 PA: Mandatory affiliation via general extension order (AVV) of a collective labour agreement by the Minister of SZW.
Supervision: DNB oversees finances, AFM information. Sanctions apply for violations; disputes in Delft are handled by the District Court of The Hague.
BPF versus other funds
Three pension forms in the Netherlands:
| Type | Application | Participation | Management |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industry Pension Fund (BPF) | Entire sector, incl. Delft | Often mandatory via AVV | Social partners |
| Company Pension Fund (OPF) | Single company | Voluntary or cao | Company & employees |
| Pension Insurance (PPI) | Individual/small business | Voluntary | Insurer |
BPF spreads risks across the sector, ideal for stability in Delft industries.
Examples from Delft practice
As a carpenter at a local construction firm working on TU campus expansions, your employer pays premiums to Bpf Bouw under the AVV Construction & Infrastructure. In 2023, this amounts to around 25% of salary, with the employer covering 60%. More on employer contributions.
In Delft's metal or tech sector via bpfMT: In case of bankruptcy, your accrual remains secure due to independence.
Rights and obligations as a Delft participant
Your rights
- Information: Annual overview via mijnpensioenoverzicht.nl.
- Access to rules: Request and object (Art. 62 PA).
- Survivors' pension: For your partner.
- Portability: Transfers with job changes in the same sector.
Your obligations
- Deduct premiums from salary.
- Report salary and address changes to Municipality of Delft and the fund.
- Provide accurate details for payouts.
Employers must pay on time (Art. 68 PA); otherwise, wage claims may apply.
FAQs for Delft residents
Is BPF participation mandatory in Delft?
Yes, if under an AVV cao. Check cao via Rijksoverheid.nl or Delft Legal Aid Office.
Employer not paying premiums?
DNB fines; summons via District Court of The Hague. Fund covers risks.
How do I check my BPF pension?
Via mijnpensioenoverzicht.nl with DigiD; Uniform Pension Overview (UPO) annually.
Impact of 2023 pension agreement on BPF?
Rules adjustments under Future Pensions Act; rights protected.
Tips for Delft residents
Maximize your BPF:
- Check annually: UPO against payslip.
- Extra savings: Supplement with annuity alongside state pension (AOW).
- Stay in sector: For continuous accrual.
- Seek help: For issues, contact Delft Legal Aid Office for free advice.
Related: Employer contributions, Cao rights, Pension Act.
This BPF system promotes solidarity in Delft sectors.