Trade unions FNV, CNV, and VCP have issued an ultimatum to the cabinet following the coalition agreement of 30 January 2026. If the cabinet does not withdraw the proposed cuts to the unemployment benefits (WW), disability benefits (WIA), and the state pension (AOW) within two weeks, actions across the Netherlands will be inevitable.
The dismantling of unemployment and disability insurance (the WW and the WIA) and the accelerated increase in the AOW age represent a historically severe intervention in social security. Moreover, the cabinet is breaking previously made agreements with social partners by accelerating the increase of the AOW age.
Ultimatum
The unions demand that the cabinet implement the following two points within 14 days.
- Withdraw the plans in the coalition agreement to reduce the WW and the WIA and to lower the maximum daily salary.
- Cancel the plans to accelerate the increase of the AOW age.
Negotiations now pointless
‘As long as the plans regarding the AOW, the WW, and the WIA are not withdrawn, we will not engage in discussions with the cabinet about the coalition agreement,’ emphasises FNV chairman Hans Spekman. ‘The burden of all these cabinet plans falls solely on workers, pensioners, and benefit recipients. This affects people's livelihoods. We cannot engage in discussions if it concerns these dismantling proposals. It is now time for action.’
Blunt axe
‘Working until 72, halving unemployment benefits, and stripping down disability benefits are unprecedentedly harsh measures. The Jetten cabinet is wielding the blunt axe vigorously. We urge the cabinet to scrap these measures as soon as possible,’ says Hans Van den Heuvel, CNV chairman.
Bomb in the polder
‘Agreements that have been carefully worked on for years are being swept away with a single stroke of the pen. A bomb in the polder. This is not thoughtful policy, but a dismantling of workers' rights,’ states Nic van Holstein, VCP chairman.
Actions
‘If the cabinet does not meet us halfway, collective actions will follow from 30 May 2026. Strikes and work stoppages are not ruled out. This will affect large parts of the Netherlands. The discontent is great, our members are ready. The goal is ultimately to make things better for everyone,’ say the chairmen of FNV, CNV, and VCP. ‘If the cabinet wants to prevent this and engage in dialogue with us, they must meet our demands as soon as possible. Our members are already poised to stand up against the cabinet's plans.’