Trade unions FNV, CNV, and VCP are giving the cabinet two more weeks to withdraw its plans for social security cuts. “If the cabinet does not meet us halfway, collective actions will begin on 30 May. Strikes and work stoppages are not ruled out,” the unions said.
They oppose plans to raise the retirement age and cut unemployment (WW) and disability benefits (WIA). They want all proposals scrapped before 25 May, or they will continue their actions.
The unions say they will start with strikes and work stoppages in sectors such as public transport and the ports. CNV chair Hans van den Heuvel says the ultimatum creates a legal basis for strike action. FNV chair Hans Spekman says the plans place too much burden on employees and too little on the wealthy.
The unions met the cabinet in early March but walked away because the cuts remained on the table. The cabinet has since said it will not raise the state pension age for now, but the unions want the plan permanently withdrawn. They say they have not received an invitation to resume talks.
@ANP | News Brainport
