Amsterdam SP Councillor suddenly resigns over jobs plan

Maureen van der Pligt (53) has resigned job as Councillor for the SP in Amsterdam with immediate effect. She made this announcement on Facebook this morning. The reason for her resignation is that she does not agree with the SP faction's current direction. "The current direction of my faction is different than that which I advocate. A theme which for me symbolizes the destruction of workers' rights and is contrary to the protection of the vulnerable in our society. Something I have been standing for my whole life and will continue to do so. Working without pay is a theme on which I don't want to compromise. For that reason I, with pain in my heart, give my seat back to the party." Van der Pligt wrote on Facebook. Van der Pligt is referring to the jobs plan for Amsterdam that was announced in November last year. The plan involves working as an intern without pay for 6 months, followed by a 6 month subsidized salary. The goal is for each internship and subsidy to lead to a full-time job. Last month Deputy Prime Minster Lodewijk Asscher announced that 14 million euro will be made available for this plan. "Like no other I share our (referring to the SP, ed) principles of equality, human dignity and solidarity. Unfortunately, in my opinion, I can no longer fully propagate these principles in the city council." Van der Plight wrote on Facebook. "I now chose to do that with the people in the companies, in the institutions, in the healthcare and on the street. My struggle continues unabated, but as of today outside the city council of Amsterdam."