Several major retail organisations are cutting ties with the employers’ group VNO-NCW. Supermarket umbrella CBL has ended its membership, which means companies such as Jumbo will also lose their affiliation. Spokespersons confirmed the move after reports in De Telegraaf.
Retail groups say the new membership fee structure forces labour‑intensive sectors to pay much more. CBL will leave on 1 January. A spokesperson says the sharp fee increase raised doubts about whether the sector still receives enough value from VNO-NCW’s lobbying.
Jumbo was a member through CBL and will therefore also step away. CBL says it will still work with VNO-NCW where possible and “remain a friend of the Malietoren”.
The Dutch Retail Council (RND) is still discussing its membership. Director Eus Peters says margins are already under pressure due to statutory wage increases and inflation. He says the sector must weigh the cost of membership against the benefits. RND and CBL both sit on VNO-NCW’s Executive Board.
Retail chains also face rising minimum wage costs. The minimum wage has increased faster than collective labour agreement wages and inflation in recent years. Many minimum wage earners work in retail, according to CBS. The minimum youth wage for 16‑ to 20‑year‑olds will also rise next year.
De Telegraaf reports that Ahold Delhaize is also leaving. The company did not respond to questions from ANP. VNO-NCW says it never comments on individual members.
@ANP | News Brainport
