The Dutch government has not responded to the unions’ ultimatum regarding the extension of the heavy work scheme. Therefore, the FNV (Federation of Dutch Trade Unions), CNV (National Federation of Christian Trade Unions), and VCP (Trade Union Federation for Professionals) are preparing actions and strikes, the FNV announced on Wednesday.

The unions seek a permanent arrangement for people in demanding professions, such as construction and infrastructure, to retire earlier. The first actions are expected at the end of May.

FNV reported that the measures will start on a small scale but could escalate into “strikes that will disrupt the Dutch economy more.” It is not yet known in which sector action will be taken, but FNV mentioned construction, the police, public transport, and ports.

The current Early Retirement Scheme (RVU) expires at the end of next year, allowing people engaged in physically demanding occupations to retire earlier, with a bridging benefit until the state pension age. The unions argue for a permanent heavy work arrangement, as agreed in the Pension Agreement signed by the government, and want the scheme to be broader.

According to FNV director Piet Rietman, the unions will first organize short strikes, which could become longer and harder if The Hague does not agree to a permanent regulation. VCP Chairman Nic van Holstein emphasized the necessity of a good arrangement for those in heavy work to retire in good health.

Negotiations with employers’ organizations collapsed in December. VNO-NCW, MKB-Nederland, and LTO called the unions’ ultimatum premature, accusing the unions of focusing on actions instead of constructive consultation. However, CNV director Jan-Pieter Daems believes there is still “a lot of room” for negotiation, stressing the need for a good scheme for workers engaged in physically demanding occupations.

Source: Infrasite.nl

The Dutch government has not responded to the unions’ ultimatum regarding the extension of the heavy work scheme. Therefore, the FNV (Federation of Dutch Trade Unions), CNV (National Federation of Christian Trade Unions), and VCP (Trade Union Federation for Professionals) are preparing actions and strikes, the FNV announced on Wednesday.

The unions seek a permanent arrangement for people in demanding professions, such as construction and infrastructure, to retire earlier. The first actions are expected at the end of May.

FNV reported that the measures will start on a small scale but could escalate into “strikes that will disrupt the Dutch economy more.” It is not yet known in which sector action will be taken, but FNV mentioned construction, the police, public transport, and ports.

The current Early Retirement Scheme (RVU) expires at the end of next year, allowing people engaged in physically demanding occupations to retire earlier, with a bridging benefit until the state pension age. The unions argue for a permanent heavy work arrangement, as agreed in the Pension Agreement signed by the government, and want the scheme to be broader.

According to FNV director Piet Rietman, the unions will first organize short strikes, which could become longer and harder if The Hague does not agree to a permanent regulation. VCP Chairman Nic van Holstein emphasized the necessity of a good arrangement for those in heavy work to retire in good health.

Negotiations with employers’ organizations collapsed in December. VNO-NCW, MKB-Nederland, and LTO called the unions’ ultimatum premature, accusing the unions of focusing on actions instead of constructive consultation. However, CNV director Jan-Pieter Daems believes there is still “a lot of room” for negotiation, stressing the need for a good scheme for workers engaged in physically demanding occupations.

Source: Infrasite.nl