Competitive consensus: bargaining on employment and competitiveness in the Netherlands

2001 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 682-696 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rien Huiskamp ◽  
Maarten van Riemsdijk

This article shows how bargaining on the conflicting issues of fighting unemployment and increasing competitiveness has evolved. It offers an empirical insight into the degree to which the national framework agreements that form part of the now famous Dutch polder model are implemented. At the national level framework agreements are set up and recommendations are made on a wide range of issues. It is shown that these are then interpreted and partly adopted by negotiators at lower collective bargaining levels. At company level, three cases illustrate differences in the degree to which companies implement the outcomes of collective agreements: from ‘dedicated follower’ to ‘rebels with a cause'. Looking at the evidence, it seems the Dutch have experienced a form of organised decentralisation.

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mara A. Yerkes ◽  
Laura den Dulk

Work and care policy in the ‘big’ society: an expansion of capabilities? Work and care policy in the ‘big’ society: an expansion of capabilities? In this article, we assess the extent to which national-level work-care policies in the Netherlands enable various groups in society (men and women, lower and higher educated and employees versus self-employed) to reconcile work and care. We answer this question by conducting a policy analysis using Sen’s (1992) capability approach. Applying this perspective, we evaluate the availability, accessibility and design of work-care policies in the Netherlands. In addition, we consider the importance of collective agreements and the organizational context. Our assessment shows that work-care policies and collective agreements offer greater capabilities to certain groups to reconcile work and care than to others. Childcare policy offers decreased accessibility for the self-employed and flexible work arrangements enable women more than men to take on care tasks and work part-time. In addition, higher educated workers appear to have greater access to flexible arrangements than lower educated workers, but often use this flexibility to work more rather than reconcile work with care. Moreover, current care leave policies enforce rather than challenge existing socio-cultural norms, and alternatives to the one-and-a-half earner model remain limited.


1983 ◽  
Vol 1983 (1) ◽  
pp. 273-277
Author(s):  
A. van Eden

ABSTRACT In 1978, the Dutch Minister of Transport and Public Works set up a national working group to look into the question of heavy oil pollution of the Dutch coast. This working group was given the task of selecting, from the wide range available, those methods for cleanup, treatment, and disposal of oil pollution which would be best suited for use in the Netherlands and give the best results in combating coastal oil pollution. At the same time, it was to draw up a contingency plan and inventory the facilities available. Experiments to determine the best method of combating beach pollution caused by oil spills were undertaken with the following objectives in mind:Testing of preventive measures to limit beach pollution, such as herders, straw bales, sand embankments, and plastic linersTesting of various methods of removing oil (mousse) from the beachTesting of various methods for the final cleaning of a beach from which oil has been removed by dispersants, demulsifiers, etc.Testing of various preliminary treatments enabling better and more efficient transport of oil and making it more suitable for further processing. Mousse-breaking additives and other substances were tested thoroughly in this respect.1Testing of various methods for dealing with the collected oil, such as incineration in suitable installations The experience gained from the tests and the results achieved were evaluated and substantial conclusions drawn. The working group now is in a position to give useful advice to the various coastal municipalities so that they will be able to combat coastal oil pollution more efficiently. This has been done.


2000 ◽  
Vol 44 (30) ◽  
pp. 5-569-5-572 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Hastings ◽  
V Woods ◽  
R A Haslam ◽  
P Buckle

In-depth interviews and observations have been undertaken with intensive and non-intensive non-keyboard input device (NKID) users. Fifty individuals at ten organisations were interviewed to gain insight into how users arrange their workstations and use NKID in connection with different tasks. Observational data have also been collected on posture and workstation set-up, with video recordings at all sites. Initial results are presented here based on the first twenty-five interviews. A wide range of NKID was seen at the organisations visited including the mouse, touchscreen, joystick, trackball, and tablet and pen. Users reported a range of problems associated with the use of some devices: maintenance issues, device responsiveness and size of devices were some of those mentioned. Musculoskeletal pain and discomfort was also reported, particularly in mouse users n=9 (36%) with reports of weakness, stiffness and discomfort in the hands and wrist. An important observation was the variety of configurations of workstation furniture and equipment, which in some cases, constrained the position of the input device in relation to the user. This may result in the users having to work with the input device at some distance away from their body.


Religions ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 308
Author(s):  
Welmoet Boender

This article discusses the first experiences of a supplementary imam training program that has been designed in the Netherlands for community-based imams, female religious leaders and mosque committee members. This “Professionalization of Imams in the Netherlands” program (PIN) was set up as a cooperation of the Representative Council of Muslims (CMO) and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, supported by state-subsidy. The article discusses how the initiators maneuvered within and beyond the politicized burden of expectation that has surrounded the establishment of European-based imam training programs for decades now. The article provides a unique insight into the program’s design, its collaborative partners and participants’ experiences, understanding the program as a site of deliberative engagement. It shows how the stakeholders ideally see ownership of the curriculum and trainee recruitment as a shared responsibility for the Muslim community and the public educational institution, whereas the state is willing to finance it. The article outlines how in this attempt the stakeholders must deal with some paradoxical dynamics that influence this notion of “shared ownership”. Sharing these analytical observations and recommendations will hopefully help stakeholders involved in setting up similar European programs to make rational decisions on content and format of (future) supplementary programs, within and beyond fields of power, authority and interest.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Hijzen ◽  
Pedro S. Martins ◽  
Jante Parlevliet

Abstract Collective bargaining has come under renewed scrutiny, especially in Southern European countries, which rely predominantly on sectoral bargaining supported by administrative extensions of collective agreements. Following the global financial crisis, some of these countries have implemented substantial reforms in the context of adjustment programmes, seen by some as a ‘frontal assault’ on collective bargaining. This paper compares the recent top-down reforms in Portugal with the more gradual evolution of the system in the Netherlands. While the Dutch bargaining system shares many of the key features that characterise the Portuguese system, it has shown a much greater ability to adjust to new challenges through concerted social dialogue. This paper shows that the recent reforms in Portugal have brought the system more in line with Dutch practices, including in relation to the degree of flexibility in sectoral collective agreements at the worker and firm levels, the criteria for administrative extensions, and the application of retro- and ultra-activity. However, it remains to be seen to what extent the top-down approach taken in Portugal will change bargaining practices, and importantly, the quality of industrial relations.


Author(s):  
Bert Hesselink ◽  
Wim Freriks ◽  
Mark van der Burg ◽  
John van Dijk

<p>The Netherlands is a densely-populated country, with many rivers and roads. As a result, there are many intersections between roads and waterways, and these intersections are heavily used. Movares is a Dutch engineering consultancy and we can draw on over 100 years’ experience with a wide range of bridges and viaducts. We are among the Netherlands’ leading consultants in the field of movable bridges. Our knowledge and experience put us in a perfect position to look after bridges from initial design through to end of service life.</p><p>Many Dutch bridges – both movable and fixed – were built in the 1950s and 1960s, and were not designed for today’s increased, heavier traffic. They are showing symptoms of fatigue and/or no longer conform (demonstrably) to current requirements. As a result, they need to be replaced. The availability of infrastructure is of great economic importance</p><p>At the same time, safety must be guaranteed. Our philosophy: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” Our ap-proach – the BridgeDoctor® – allows us to establish the condition of a bridge with the aid of a rapid analysis. In many cases, we can use smart measures to extend the life of a bridge, allowing it to remain in service for several more decades.</p><p>By an inventory based on available information. The aim is to gain insight into the status of the bridges now, but also in the future. On this basis it is possible to predict when the bridge needs to be replaced or, and of course, how and when to intervene constructively. This inventory provides quick answers to questions such as: which bridge is constructively safe and which bridge should be tackled first?</p><p>Maintenance also prevents emergency repairs and saves a lot of money (emergency repair = costly and timely maintenance can lead to less maintenance.</p>


2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 457-473 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Antonio Recchia

In recent years, Italian legislation seems to have accomplished a ‘corporatisation’ of collective bargaining in response to employers’ demands, without the filter of national collective bargaining. Article 8 of Law No. 148/2011 made it possible to deviate from legislative provisions and industry-wide collective bargaining on a wide range of topics. The Legislative Decrees implementing the Jobs Act in 2015 have gone even further, allowing the possibility of a different regulation both through different levels of collective bargaining and through individual agreements. Faced with these changes in the balance of power, collective bargaining has been weakened. Nevertheless, a number of national sectoral agreements have provided for ambitious efforts to establish a new relationship between the levels of collective bargaining or the mechanisms of collective agreements, as well as to re-regulate forms of workers’ representation. As these national agreements are based on the voluntary compliance of workers’ organisations and employers’ associations, their implementation and enforcement in order to be effective will need to be accompanied by a re-establishment of the role of collective bargaining.


Author(s):  
Lorraine Ryan ◽  
Jonathan Lavelle

The purpose of this chapter is to profile trade unions and their activities across a range of countries to illustrate the importance of context. In particular, the chapter focuses on providing contextual information on levels of trade union density (both at the national level and within organizations), levels of trade union engagement (trade union recognition), levels of influence that trade unions have within the workplace, and levels of collective bargaining. The chapter draws on a wide range of sources, including sources that report national-level statistics on trade union density and collective bargaining coverage (the ICTWSS); organizational-level data on trade union engagement and influence (the Cranet surveys); and individual-level data reporting on the influence of trade unions in the workplace (European Social Survey). The data predominantly reveal a picture of diversity across countries in relation to trade union activity and collective bargaining, although declining levels of trade union density and collective bargaining coverage are common to many countries. By drawing on a wide range of sources and countries, the chapter reveals the need for a much deeper analysis of trade unions within national contexts and a much “thicker approach” to comparative analysis.


2006 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-60
Author(s):  
Marianne Grünell

This article analyses the current status of gender mainstreaming in collective bargaining in 17 EU countries and Norway. It examines the preconditions for including gender mainstreaming in collective bargaining, as well as within the internal practices of the trade union and employers' organisations. Gender mainstreaming is on the agenda of the union confederations in all 18 countries studied. Employers' confederations tend to integrate gender mainstreaming into their practices to a lesser extent, placing emphasis on matters such as diversity policies and preferring individual tailor-made solutions rather than general rules. Nevertheless, gender is mostly mainstreamed into collective bargaining at a national level. In 14 of the 18 countries studied, collective agreements address the issue of reconciling work and care responsibilities, a central element of the mainstreaming strategy. Although not explicitly categorised as such, the provisions agreed upon are in line with the employability and adaptability pillars of the pre-2003 European Employment Strategy. There is therefore evidence that gender is starting to be mainstreamed and that the male breadwinner model is being questioned within organisations.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hella Hollander ◽  

Digital archaeology in the Netherlands is connected with investments in a new large-scale and innovative Dutch research infrastructure for the next 10 years. Priorities are set to combine forces at a national level in order to contribute to the international position of the Netherlands as a 'knowledge country'. Researchers need to coordinate and collaborate even more to set up a FAIR enabling data infrastructure with limited resources. Regarding the archaeological discipline, the use of formal quality standards and legislation that certifies archaeological organisations to carry out archaeological work improves national collaboration and stimulates the digital workflow. DANS is the dedicated national repository for archaeology in the Netherlands and is launching the Data Station Archaeology, a repository meeting the latest technological standards. Finding and sharing data of high quality facilitates knowledge of archaeological discoveries; a flourishing open access trend in Dutch archaeology stimulates a strong growth in the use of data. To keep up with innovative developments, a growing community of archaeologists and other specialists are working together in international projects to secure the future of European Archaeology.


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