CHANGE! The Labour Movement, and our Horecabond ideas about it

On Saturday, 23 June 2012, the moment had arrived. Or had it? Yes and no. No, this was not yet the founding congress of a completely renewed national trade union federation. And YES, this was indeed the starting signal for a true metamorphosis of the ‘old trade union’.


On 23 June 2012, it was agreed to hold a definitive founding congress on 1 May 2013 for the most important, vibrant, dynamic, member-focused, directly democratic, and trendsetting trade union federation in the Netherlands.

This federation, along with its independently operating trade associations, will present itself with an open mind, communicating clearly with its members and positioning itself as a constructive partner for good and healthy labour relations in our Dutch society.

While the storms of the economic crisis, the banking crisis, the political and euro crisis, the pensions crisis, the leadership crisis, and the political crisis profoundly affect our lives, we too are mobilising to fight for a society of reasonableness, legal certainty, legal equality, and justice.

My expectation? Being a member of your own Trade Union will become a must again.

Trust and self-confidence are important, working well together, continuous learning, standing strong, being appropriately rewarded – including in terms of pension accrual – and not standing alone are other pillars of a healthy collaboration with employers.

“I strongly urge all those employed in the hospitality sector to strengthen themselves individually and collectively by being a member of a militant Trade Movement.”

We are taking ACTION: standing up, making our voices heard, working and committing to our ideas and ideals, showing that we mean business and clenching our fists where necessary.

We do this for and with all generations of workers: from 16 to 65 years old. And also for all retirees in our hospitality sector.

Entrepreneurs in the hospitality industry must understand that their people do the real work and are crucial to the satisfaction of their guests. We form a visible and concrete partnership and ‘earn’ an inspiring work climate, recognition, appreciation, a healthy reward, and opportunities for learning and growth.

We are here for both young and old! In the coming 12 months, radical steps and leaps will be made. The orientation points: individual and collective advocacy, direct democracy, an accessible flat organisation, minimal bureaucratic hassle, a ‘positive’ activist mentality, open political influence, and ample space to make your voice heard and to raise issues.

We are living in ‘interesting times’. Let us combine all our positive forces to make them ‘good times’.

Ben Francooy
Chairman FNV Horecabond