Unions warn of strikes if Dutch government pushes welfare cuts
The unions FNV, CNV, and VCP announced on Monday that if the cabinet does not remove the proposed cuts to unemployment benefits (WW), disability benefits (WIA), and state pension (AOW) before May 30, strikes will begin.
The unions presented the request as an ultimatum. "As trade unions, we have jointly decided to stop talking to the cabinet," they stated in a press release. "This issue affects people's very existence. We cannot enter a dialogue on these dismantling proposals. It is now time for action," says FNV Chairman Hans Spekman.
The unions add that nationwide strikes and work stoppages are possible. "This will affect large parts of the Netherlands," they said.
In February, the minority cabinet presented a proposal to speed up the increase of the AOW retirement age starting in 2033 so that it would rise in line with life expectancy. This would help the cabinet reduce costs.
The unions, however, describe the plans as "unnecessary, unfair, and irresponsible," arguing that lower- and middle-income groups are disproportionately impacted, while higher-income groups and profitable companies are largely unaffected.
The unions also warn that weakening social protections could increase the risk of poverty, illness, and overwork among workers, particularly as people are expected to work longer and may rely more on unpaid care leave due to cuts in services.
According to Hans Spekman, negotiations are pointless at this moment: "We will not enter into talks with the cabinet regarding the coalition agreement until the plans are off the table. The bill for all of this cabinet's plans falls unilaterally on workers, pensioners, and benefit recipients but does not proportionally affect the wealthiest.
CNV chairman Hans van den Heuvel speaks of the Jetten cabinet's "blunt axe." According to VCP chairman Nic van Holstein, the cabinet is violating previous agreements. "A single stroke of the pen sweeps away years of careful work on agreements. This is not a well-thought-out policy but a dismantling of workers' rights," Van Holstein said.
