Pay rises agreed so far this year average around 6.3%, broadcaster NOS said on Tuesday, quoting figures from employers organisation AWVN.

The average is derived from 155 new pay and conditions agreements, covering some 1.5 million workers, NOS said. The AWVN advises companies on their pay negotiations and is involved in around 50% of those agreed every year.

On Tuesday, talks start on a new pay deal for the cleaning sector, and the CNV trade union federation is targeting a 14% rise over two years, NOS said. Akzo Nobel recently agreed to a 10% rise for its workers.

Last year, when inflation was still extremely high, rises averaged 7.3%. Inflation is currently around 3% and is expected to drop to 2% by next year.

The FNV trade union federation – the country’s biggest – said last year it would be targeting rises of between 5% and 14% this year, depending on the sector.