The Netherlands Now Faces Union Actions

Dutch unions threaten strikes this autumn

FNV union to organize protests in three sectors

In protest against the government's plans to raise the retirement age from 67 to 68, the FNV union said on Friday it will stage protests in three sectors this autumn. If necessary, strikes will also be organized within the three selected sectors.

"The Netherlands is facing a major labor shortage, and the government's plans will make this problem worse," said FNV president Tuur Elzinga, who also pointed to the high workload and "enormous pressure" on employees in many sectors.

The Dutch government has defended the planned pension reform, arguing that it is necessary to ensure the sustainability of the pension system in the long term.

The FNV is the largest trade union in the Netherlands, representing over 1 million members. The union has previously organized strikes in the healthcare, education, and public transport sectors.

The union's announcement comes as the Netherlands faces a number of other labor disputes. Last month, the pilots' union VNV announced that it would hold a strike ballot over pay and working conditions. The union represents around 3,000 pilots at KLM and Transavia.

In addition, the teachers' union AOb has also threatened to strike over pay and working conditions. The union represents around 120,000 teachers in the Netherlands.

The Dutch government is facing increasing pressure from trade unions to address the concerns of workers. The government has said that it is willing to talk to the unions, but it has also insisted that it will not compromise on its plans to raise the retirement age.