Social Affairs Minister Henk Kamp says he has reached agreement with employers’ organisations and unions on raising pension age to 67. But two FNV unions, Abvakabo and Bondgenoten, say they still oppose raising pension age.

At a press conference on Tuesday afternoon Minister Kamp said he had met the wishes of the unions, for instance, people would be able to save for early pensions.

Chairperson of the FNV federation of unions, Agnes Jongerius, says the minister has promised to transfer 600 million euros from the high incomes to the low incomes. However, the chairperson has been criticised recently by union members for siding too much with the government.

The FNV affliated unions failed to reach agreement in an all night meeting on Monday to iron out differences of opinion on the deal. They fear people who do heavy work or with low incomes will be forced to work longer or lose money if they retire early. The two renegade unions Bondgenoten and Abvakabo, also rejected the deal last night.

The FNV will meet with the leaders of affliated unions again next Monday to discuss the latest developments. The minister says he believes the unions will change their minds. He says, “The time for talking is over.”

(nc)

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