More Dutch companies making it easier for workers to fill military reserve shortages

Several Dutch companies are adding moer flexibility in their new employment contracts to allow workers to more easily serve as a military reservist, according to Financieele Dagblad (FD). The Dutch military is planning significant growth in the coming years, with a particular focus on increasing the number of available reserve troops who can be called up during periods of high demand.

Companies including KPN, Rabobank, and PGGM have implemented arrangements enabling employees to take paid leave to perform reservist duties. The move reflects a broader trend of incorporating national defense and security considerations into workplace agreements.

The measures respond to the Dutch armed forces’ strategic priorities. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the military aims to increase both professional soldiers and reservists. But it emerged in May that the military was struggling to meet government goals of a sustained force of 100,000 military members by 2030.

More than 20 percent of military positions were still vacant at the start of this year. Last year, a combined total of 4,300 people either enlisted or took civilian jobs in the military, bringing the force up to over 74,000 people.

As of September, the Netherlands had approximately 8,500 reservists. The armed forces aim to nearly triple that number to 20,000 by 2030. The push for more reservists has been bolstered by an extensive marketing campaign, including a goal of recruiting more people to help protect national cybersecurity.

Dutch labor union CNV said it hopes more collective bargaining agreements will include similar provisions to give more flexibility when workers are called up. "This theme will become important in the coming years," one CNV representative said. Defense ministry officials also anticipate that additional sectors and organizations will adopt such policies.

Over the summer, Princess Amalia announced her intention to enter a two-year training program to become a military reservist. Amalia, the oldest daughter of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima, started her military training in September.