Workers under collective wage deals saw pay raises outpace inflation in 2025

Collectively bargained wages in the Netherlands rose by an average of 5 percent this year, according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS). While the increase was stronger in the two preceding years, the national statistics office said it is still one of the largest increases in the past 40 years.

Many Dutch people have also seen real gains in their wallets as a result. Prices for products and services rose less rapidly than wages over the course of the year. Adjusted for inflation, collectively bargained wages rose by an average of 1.6 percent.

Inflation rose sharply in the Netherlands after the coronavirus pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, causing many people to lose out financially. This gap now appears to have been bridged for many workers. The CBS calculated that the average increase in wages and consumer prices will wind up being about the same between 2020 and 2025. Both rose by roughly 25 percent.

Those working in the public sector saw the lowest increases among workers with collective agreements. They saw an average 3.9 percent wage increase, when private sector workers averaged 5.3 percent pay hikes, compared to 2024.

Earlier this month, employers' organizations advocated for overall wage increases that are leas substantial, and stated that they instead favored bonuses for staff during good times. Otherwise, businesses would have insufficient funds leftover for growth and investments.

On the other hand, labor unions FNV and CNV indicated in negotiations that they were aiming for wage increases comparable , or higher than, those of last year.