The FNV Construction union has accepted the modified pension agreement reached by the government, employers and unions.
This means the controversial pension agreement is now backed by a majority of the FNV union federation. Of the 19 FNV unions only two continue to oppose it: FNV Bondgenoten and Abvakabo.
FNV Construction’s endorsement was essential, since FNV Bondgenoten, Abvakabo and FNV Construction together would have formed a majority against the agreement.
Under the plan, the retirement age will be raised to 67 years, with the possibility raising it still further in future.
In response to criticism, Social Affairs Minister Henk Kamp last week made a number of changes to the scheme, specifically for people with physically demanding jobs. As a result, construction workers who still want to stop working at the age of 65 are now expected to lose fewer benefits than before.
(cl)
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