Dutch supermarket groups leave employers’ group VNO-NCW over higher fees
The Dutch Food Retail Association and several major supermarket-related companies have withdrawn from employers’ organization VNO-NCW, marking two separate departures tied to increased membership fees and mounting concerns over the value of lobbying representation amid rising wage costs, De Telegraaf reports.
The Dutch Food Retail Association (CBL) said it will end its membership in VNO-NCW on Jan. 1 next year. Separately, multiple large retail companies — including those linked to supermarket chains such as Jumbo — have also resigned after a sharp increase in contributions.
The departures were confirmed by spokespeople following reporting by De Telegraaf. The newspaper reported that large companies such as Jumbo are now paying “several hundred thousand euros extra” due to the higher fees.
The Dutch Food Retail Association said the decision was driven by both the higher costs and doubts about whether the retail sector receives enough in return from lobbying efforts.
“As an employers’ organization, we remain on the same side of the rope as VNO,” a spokesperson said.
Another retail industry group, the Raad Nederlandse Detailhandel (RND), is still in discussions with VNO-NCW. Director Eus Peters said labor-intensive sectors such as retail are facing significantly higher contributions while operating margins are under pressure from statutory wage increases and inflation.
“Then you have to weigh the value of membership against what it costs now and what it will cost in the coming years,” Peters said.
The RND and the Dutch Food Retail Association jointly hold a seat on the VNO-NCW executive board.
VNO-NCW acknowledged that several supermarket-related members have left but rejected the idea that the organization is in crisis. Chairman Coen van Oostrom said the exits are linked to a revised contribution structure and concerns over rising minimum wages.
He said he understands the criticism from the sector but noted the organization is still growing through new members, including technology companies.
“Hopefully they will reconsider and come back on board,” van Oostrom said.
The dispute comes as minimum wages in the Netherlands continue to rise faster than collective labor agreement wages and inflation. Many retail workers earn the minimum wage, and the minimum youth wage for workers aged 16 to 20 will increase next year.
