The Netherlands' biggest trade union, FNV, has reconciled itself with the higher retirement age of 67 which is to be introduced by the government.

Speaking in an interview with daily Nederlands Dagblad, union chair Agnes Jongerius has said that in a democratic society one should accept a decision which got the support of a majority in parliament.

The FNV union continues to disagree, however, with the manner of introduction of the new retirement age, which is currently 65. FNV has said it will continue to oppose the income reduction imposed on people who opt to retire earlier than at 67. Such a measure would hurt people with lower incomes hardest, Ms Jongerius said.

FNV also opposes a fixed linkage between the qualification ages for the state pension and for the job-linked retirement pension. As recently as last week several constituent unions of FNV called for strike action against raising the state pension age.

FNV trade union chair Agnes Jongerius (ANP Photo)