The minority cabinet of D66, CDA and VVD wants to spend billions more on defence. These are uncertain times, but we do not agree that the bill is being placed on those who can least afford it, while nothing is being asked of the very richest and wealthiest. The cuts will affect us all, but it is the low and middle incomes that will bear the brunt. The cuts are unnecessary, unfair and irresponsible.
Sign up for the action in your region!
Where can we find the money instead?
Instead, the coalition could have chosen to raise more taxes from large corporations and wealthy individuals. There are numerous reports showing how these groups manage to avoid taxes and how the very richest often pay (much) less tax than, for example, middle incomes. This is partly because so-called Director-Major Shareholders (DGA’s) hide money in their private companies. Yet the government decides not to impose any additional tax on them.
Middle incomes pay more freedom contribution than minister
The so-called ‘freedom contribution’ is simply an increase in income tax for citizens. But there is something odd about it. The way the government wants to implement this increase results in low and middle incomes often paying more tax than someone with a high income, such as a minister. A refuse collector will soon pay €362 and a nurse even €370, but a minister who earns three times as much salary only has to pay €333 in freedom contribution. So, those with the broadest shoulders get off the easiest.
Healthcare cuts hit low incomes harder
Due to the cuts in healthcare, the gap between rich and poor is widening. A higher excess in healthcare is particularly a reason for low-income individuals to avoid necessary care. They only visit the doctor when it becomes absolutely necessary. By then, they are sicker and healthcare costs are higher. The personal contribution for district nursing is also a barrier for low incomes. High-income individuals can afford this more easily.
Dismantling of WW and WIA is premium theft
Would you accept it if your insurance suddenly paid out half as much while you continue to pay your premiums diligently every month? The minority cabinet of D66, CDA, and VVD wants to dip into our premium fund to fill budget gaps. Money intended for employees who become unemployed or incapacitated. Once again, the burden falls on the working individuals.
What do the plans mean for you?
The consequences of the plans are significant. Will you become unemployed? Then you may soon receive unemployment benefits (WW) for a shorter period. The government wants to reduce the maximum duration of unemployment benefits from 24 to 12 months. Additionally, the government aims to lower the maximum daily salary on which benefits are calculated by 20%.
This affects not only those who become unemployed or incapacitated. Leave arrangements such as maternity leave, additional paternity leave, and paid parental leave are also linked to this daily salary. A lower maximum daily salary could mean that people receive less income during leave.
There are also plans to cut the WIA. These proposals particularly affect those who are fully and long-term incapacitated and most reliant on income security.
Together we stand stronger
De Horecabond is joining forces with the FNV to take action against these plans. Workers should not have to bear the brunt of cuts to social security. WW, WIA, and AOW are not luxuries. They are schemes that workers pay premiums for and should be able to rely on when needed.
These plans affect us all. That’s why we are taking action together with the FNV. Are you joining us? Sign up for an action in your region.