Netherlands: unions plan week of strikes in push to maintain the early retirement scheme

On 7 September, the Dutch trade unions FNV, CNV and VCP launched a week of strike action to reach an agreement with the government and employers on maintaining the Early Retirement Scheme (RVU). This scheme, introduced by the tripartite agreement on pensions in 2019, expires in 2025. It allows employees in arduous occupations to retire three years earlier and receive a tax-free allowance from their employer until they receive their pension. The aim of the trade unions is not only to maintain th