The FNV, the Netherlands’ biggest trade union federation, is set to up its 2007 pay claim to a minimum of 3%, the Financieele Dagblad reported today. The federation’s main unions Bondgenoten (manufacturing), Bouw (construction) and Abvakabo (public sector) have already agreed the previous ceiling, 2.5%, was not enough to improve spending power.

The FNV’s 16 member unions are due to meet on Monday to finalise their approach to the next round of pay talks. ‘After four years, people have had enough of (prime minister) Balkenende,’ spokesman Xander den Uyl told the paper. ‘They have lost spending power. With the economy doing better, there is good reason to go for more.’