Netherlands
Background information on industrial relations in Netherlands
- 22 Dec 2008
Netherlands: Collectively agreed wages up 3% in 2008Wage levels set in collective labour agreements are expected to rise by an average of 3% in 2008, compared with 2% in 2007. This general increase can be seen in the services and transport sectors, where serious industrial action preceded a final agreement at the negotiation table. Matters are further complicated at TNT Post and the regional transport services where collective bargaining has been taking place against a backdrop of company reorganisations.
- 11 Dec 2008
Netherlands: Industrial relations in the public sector – NetherlandsThis report presents an overview of industrial relations in the central government and public sector in the Netherlands
- 08 Dec 2008
Netherlands: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Railways sector – NetherlandsThe aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the railways sector in the Netherlands. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as on their role in collective bargaining. The study is divided into two parts: the first part deals with railway transport operations, based on research carried out in 2006; the second part focuses on rail infrastructure based on research completed in 2007.
- 24 Nov 2008
Netherlands: Social partners agree dismissal law among other issues in annual talksThe Dutch cabinet and social partners concluded the traditional autumn consultation in October 2008. Agreement was reached on moderate pay demands, lowering unemployment premiums, and maintaining the spending power of minimum-wage earners and people suffering from chronic illness. Even the social partners’ interim agreement on dismissal law was accepted. Agreements were also reached concerning vulnerable people in the labour market, and on training.
- 24 Nov 2008
Netherlands: Increasing numbers employed through fraudulent temporary work agenciesThe number of employees working through ‘mala fide’ or fraudulent temporary work agencies has risen over a two-year period: from 80,000 workers in 2006 to about 150,000 people in 2008. More than half of temporary agency workers from eastern Europe who work in the Netherlands do so through mala fide work agencies. Investigations into these agencies, carried out by a supervisory body and the Labour Inspectorate, have led so far to fines totalling €2.6 million.
- 29 Sep 2008
Netherlands: Social partners put priority on tackling economic downswingFollowing a deadlock over the proposal to relax the country’s dismissal law, tripartite negotiations resumed when the issue was delegated to a special committee. In the latest round of talks, the social partners confirmed their commitment to finding solutions to the impending economic recession. Central issues included increasing labour market participation, incentives for extending the working life and calls for the postponement of an increase in value-added tax.
- 23 Sep 2008
Netherlands: The Netherlands: Industrial relations developments in Europe 2007In the recovered economy the three large union federations let go their policy of pay moderation. Higher pay claims, 3% or more on an annual base, were made. These claims were met in the course of 2007, in some cases supported by union campaigns and strikes. A delay in concluding collective agreements can be observed again. Although employer organizations are in favour of variable pay, the issue was not a topic in the bargaining rounds. Government and social partners agreed on measures to combat unemployment; at least 200.000 people have to be supported in finding work. They perceive employability as central to an active labour market policy.
- 08 Sep 2008
Netherlands: Broad consensus for proposals for changes to dismissal lawThe Bakker Committee, which was set up to resolve the impasse surrounding dismissal legislation in the Netherlands, issued its recommendations in June 2008. Based on labour market trends, the report recommended that every effort should be made to encourage more people into employment and to stay working for longer. While dismissal law is marginal in this respect, employee flexibility is a key factor. The social partners responded positively to the report, although they were critical of certain aspects.
- 05 Sep 2008
Netherlands: Netherlands: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations – Sea and coastal water transport - 15 Jul 2008
Netherlands: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Post and courier services – NetherlandsThe aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the post and courier activities sector in the Netherlands. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as on their role in collective bargaining.
- 11 Jul 2008
Netherlands: Representativeness of the European social partner organisations: Manufacture of sugar – The NetherlandsThe aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the sugar manufacturing sector in the Netherlands. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as on their role in collective bargaining.
- 19 Jun 2008
Netherlands: Controversy over plan to reduce benefits for young disabled peopleIn May 2008, the Minister for Social Affairs and Employment proposed to reduce benefits for young people with a disability who are capable of working. The minister recommended that, from 2010, people in this category should be given suitable employment, supplemented by 70% of the minimum wage. The minister’s proposal, however, has been strongly criticised by left-wing supporters in the Dutch House of Representatives, as well as trade unions who are seeking job creation measures rather than benefit cuts.
- 29 May 2008
Netherlands: Gender pay gap among highest in EuropeWith a gender wage gap of 18% in 2005, the Netherlands tops the European average, according to a report by the International Trade Union Confederation. The disparity in wages experienced by Dutch women can to a large extent be explained by the fact that they often work part time. Moreover, relatively fewer women can be found at higher management levels. A government taskforce aims to achieve a target of 80% of women in employment by 2016; in 2006, this figure stood at 56%.
- 29 May 2008
Netherlands: Collective agreement for teachers after far-reaching concessions by education ministerA collective agreement was reached in the education sector in mid April 2008 following far-reaching concessions by the minister of education. It is hoped that the agreement will resolve the dissatisfaction felt among the teaching staff and also the looming shortage of teachers. Despite fears that the agreed employment conditions will not resolve a shortage of teachers, the negotiating parties are pleased with the outcome. Trade union members have approved the agreement.
- 19 May 2008
Netherlands: Trade unions criticise employer support for occupationally disabled workersThe Dutch Trade Union Federation is dissatisfied with recent study findings on the reassessment of people with occupational disabilities. In 2004, the social partners agreed that more stringent medical examination criteria for occupationally disabled people would be compensated by increased efforts on the part of employers to encourage the resumption of work. However, despite some improvement, it appears that the level of employer support remains insufficient.
- 19 May 2008
Netherlands: Union backs Labour Party proposal for quota for women in management positionsIn April 2008, Labour Party representatives were due to present a legislative proposal to statutorily establish a quota system for the number of women in private-sector management positions. The parliamentary group will be compelled to take such steps if the so-called Frijns Committee fails to propose targets in this respect. Although the proposal is supported by trade unions, it is has failed to generate support from the Christian Democratic Appeal party and employers.
- 09 May 2008
Netherlands: Court inquiry into equity fund practices in publishing groupIn January 2008, the Enterprise Section of the Amsterdam Court of Appeal called for an examination of matters surrounding PCM Publishers – the country’s third largest newspaper and magazine publishing group. In 2004, PCM was taken over by the UK-based private equity company Apax, after which its financial situation worsened. At the request of two trade unions, the court ruled that the corporate policy pursued is open to question and ordered an investigation.
- 09 May 2008
Netherlands: Police force get pay rise under new collective agreementThe trade unions representing the police force in the Netherlands agreed with the final collective bargaining offer tabled by the Minister of the Interior at the end of March 2008. Having rejected earlier proposals, the trade unions reluctantly accepted the minister’s latest proposal. The conditions of the collective agreement correspond with the general trend for higher collectively agreed salaries in the first quarter of 2008 compared with 2007 as a whole.
- 30 Apr 2008
Netherlands: Telework in the NetherlandsStatistics show that the incidence of telework in the Netherlands has been rising since 2000, regardless of the precise definition used. The government has encouraged the use of telework by introducing tax benefits for employers who facilitate such work. This article looks at the extent of telework in this country and explores the progress in implementing the EU framework agreement on telework, concluded by the European social partners in 2002.
- 01 Apr 2008
Netherlands: Social partners divided on issue of employee rights in listed companiesIn February 2008, the Social and Economic Council (SER) issued a recommendation on the position of employees in listed companies, redefining the rights and responsibilities of company boards, and employer and employee representatives. The Minister of Finance rejected the recommendation, arguing that the SER is not authorised to advise on company policy. Earlier, the minister had issued a draft bill on the advisory powers of works councils regarding managers’ remuneration in listed companies.
- 24 Mar 2008
Netherlands: Ban on right to strike by police challengedAfter months of negotiation between the police force and the minister of the interior on the renewal of the collective agreement, the police trade unions began threatening industrial action and strikes in December 2007. The courts were divided on the issue, with some ruling out strikes as a means of industrial action and others condoning such steps. The unions and the minister have yet to reach agreement and the police strikes continue. An investigating committee has since been established to assess how much leeway for negotiation exists between the two parties
- 24 Mar 2008
Netherlands: Government take cautious stance on curbing top salariesAt the end of 2007, the Frijns Committee, which makes recommendations on policy concerning top salaries, published its third annual report. The committee wants to maintain self-regulation in companies and again spoke out against legislation. Although the finance minister repeatedly referred to the report’s findings in the House of Representatives debate on self-enrichment in top positions, he plans to uphold his original intention to address excessive remuneration using tax measures.
- 24 Mar 2008
Netherlands: Government to increase controls regarding unfair treatment of Polish workersThe Labour Inspectorate of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment plans to intensify its controls on irregularities concerning the treatment of Polish employees in 2008, but remains less committal about housing problems. In December 2007, the Dutch House of Representatives decided that the ministry must first resolve matters related to Polish workers before discussions could be initiated on granting Romanian and Bulgarian workers further labour market access.
- 17 Mar 2008
Netherlands: Union slams measure requiring under 27 year-olds to work or studyYoung people under the age of 27 years are no longer eligible for benefits, but must instead work, study or combine these two activities. The youth wing of the Dutch Trade Union Federation, FNV Jong, is highly critical of this measure and views it as a form of age discrimination. In financial terms, the plan means that young people will end up being below the breadline and that social security will be abolished for everyone aged under 27 years.
- 01 Feb 2008
Netherlands: Representativeness of the social partners: Gas sector – the NetherlandsThe aim of this representativeness study is to identify the respective national and supranational actors (i.e. trade unions and employer organisations) in the field of industrial relations in the gas sector in the Netherlands. In order to determine their relative importance in the sector’s industrial relations, this study will, in particular, focus on their representational quality as well as on their role in collective bargaining.
- 14 Jan 2008
Netherlands: Agreement reached at Unilever after three-week strike over plant closuresIn mid October 2007, staff at the Unilever plant in the Netherlands went on strike for over three weeks in protest against the group’s plan to close three of the country’s six Unilever plants. The trade unions believe that the closures are unnecessary and are calling for job guarantees for employees currently facing dismissal. An agreement was subsequently reached, specifying that redundant staff would receive dismissal compensation, while offering job guarantees until 2010.