The works councils of 17 of the Netherlands’ biggest companies have written an open letter calling on the government not to introduce a carbon tax, arguing it could push their employers into the red and lead to job losses.

The works councils, representing Esso, Shell, BP, Tata Steel and chemicals company Dow among others, say that they are ‘proud of what we contribute to Dutch society’.

Together, the 17 companies have a workforce in the Netherlands of some 50,000. All are major emitters of carbon dioxide.

Nevertheless, the works councils argue, Dutch industry has reduced emissions by 32% compared with 1990. By contrast, they point out, the transport and electricity sector are now producing more carbon dioxide compared with 29 years ago. ‘Why are we considered to be the major polluters?’, the letter asks.

‘We have shown that our ideas for improved, more sustainable production process have put our factories among the best in Europe and the world,’ the letter states.’We want to go further, but we need your support.’

The works council leaders urge politicians in the pending provincial council elections to be rational, rather than emotional in their campaigning. ‘Compared with the rest of the world, we are doing a good job. There is always room for improvement and we are prepared to do that too.’

Carbon tax

The climate agreement drawn up by the government at the end of last year was widely criticised for giving industry and easy ride and pressure is mounting in some circles for the introduction of a carbon tax.

Ministers have said they are prepared to look at the concept although economic affairs minister Eric Wiebes warned last month companies would be likely to ‘skip over the border’ if the Netherlands becomes too expensive.

Two of the four coalition parties – D66 and ChristenUnie – are also known to favour some form of carbon tax.