One in five Dutch workers receives no commute reimbursement, survey shows
One in five Dutch employees receives no reimbursement at all for commuting costs, and many others are left covering large monthly shortfalls, according to new research by labor union CNV.
The survey, which questioned over 1,500 CNV members, found that 20 percent receive zero compensation from their employer for travel to and from work. Another 28 percent are reimbursed less than 0.23 euro cents per kilometer, while 45 percent receive exactly 0.23 euro cents per kilometer—the maximum amount employers are allowed to pay tax-free under current Dutch law.
For many, this limited compensation is not enough. “Especially if you live far away, it’s never sufficient. You don’t even cover fuel, let alone maintenance,” said one survey respondent. Another complained about restrictions imposed by employers: “We have a 35-kilometer one-way limit.” A third participant added, “I receive a fixed amount of 240 euros per month. If I divide that by the number of days I work, I’ve been getting screwed for years.”
According to CNV president Piet Fortuin, the overall cost of driving has risen sharply in recent years, especially since the pandemic. “Buying a car has become a lot more expensive since COVID, and so has maintenance,” Fortuin said in a CNV press release. “At the same time, public transportation is not really a viable alternative for 60 percent of working people.”
The CNV has been sounding the alarm for some time about the growing burden of commuting expenses, particularly for those living outside major cities. Fortuin emphasized that the problem is structural and requires government intervention.
On top of existing financial pressures, Dutch workers face an impending hike in fuel costs. Starting January 1, 2026, the temporary reduction in fuel excise duties—known as the accijnskorting—is scheduled to end. Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management Barry Madlener acknowledged in the Tweede Kamer that this will push gas prices back up by about 0.25 euro cents per liter. According to CNV, this will translate into 50 to 100 euros in additional commuting costs per month for many drivers.
“This is something we cannot negotiate in collective labor agreements,” said Fortuin. “That’s why we’re hoping the Cabinet will extend the excise tax reduction. Or that the Tweede Kamer arranges something on Prinsjesdag.”
Fortuin suggested an alternative solution: raising the maximum tax-free reimbursement rate. “To 0.25 or 0.28 euro cents per kilometer,” he said. “One way or another, something has to be done.”
The employers’ association AWVN agrees that the current reimbursement limit is a barrier. “Many companies would like to pay more than the current 0.23 euro cents per kilometer,” said AWVN spokesperson Jannes van der Velde. “But the government has to make that fiscally possible.”
Van der Velde said financial constraints are a key issue. For instance, maintaining the current excise tax reduction would cost the Dutch government an estimated 1.6 billion euros.
He noted that roughly half of all collective labor agreements now include specific mobility policies, and that number is gradually increasing. Major sectors like health care and education raised their reimbursement rates this year. “Usually the maximum tax-free allowance is followed,” Van der Velde said. “As a result, the reimbursement has gone up in a few years from 0.19 euro cents to 0.23 euro cents.”
Rising commuting costs are also influencing work habits. Previous studies, including one referenced in the CNV report, show that for many Dutch employees, travel expenses are a key reason to work from home whenever possible.
