The attempt to solve the differences between the FNV trade union federation and its member unions is not working and the gulf between them is as wide as it’s ever been, according to insiders who spoke to the Nos website.

At the weekend, the three biggest unions said they are working on a plan to form their own federation and wrestle power away from FNV chairwoman Agnes Jongerius.
The main problem is a lack of confidence in Jongerius because of her handling of the new pension deal. The general workers’ union Bondgenoten and civil service union Abvakabo, which account for the majority of FNV members, were against the deal but Jongerius went ahead and voted in favour of the reforms.
Negotiators
Two negotiators were appointed to discuss the problems with the unions but they are getting nowhere, according to Nos sources.
Bondgenoten and Abvakabo are sticking to their complaint about Jongerius’ handling of the pension reforms and want her to resign. This is tearing the unions apart, say insiders.
Having spoken to the main players, the negotiators have concluded that the culture within the FNV is rotten and the question now is if the federation will survive the crisis.
The 19 FNV member unions meet next weekend to discuss the negotiators’ report.