New Cabinet's plans will cost working Dutch nearly €500 per year, trade union says

The new Cabinet’s plans will cause employed persons in the Netherlands to lose up to nearly €500 per year, the trade union CNV reported. According to the union, people with middle incomes are particularly affected by the announced measures, while high incomes will actually be left with more money.

According to the union’s calculations, people earning up to €30,000 per year will have to pay an extra €240 per year in premiums. For incomes up to €60,000 per year, that will amount to €480 per year, an increase of over 10 percent.

The highest earners, on the other hand, will benefit. People earning over €80,000 per year will pay €700 less per year, a decrease of over 11 percent.

The changes are caused by a reduction in the maximum daily wages - the amount on which welfare benefits like unemployment (WW) and disability (WIA) are calculated. The change will result in the government receiving fewer premiums, which it is compensating for by raising the premiums.

This is “the most crooked measure of the Jetten Cabinet,” said CNV chairman Hans van den Heuvel. “It is appalling that the burden is being placed on all employees. The teacher loses up to €500 per year.”