Dutch companies must move towards a 30-hour working week as soon as possible. This is what the Christian National Trade Union Federation CNV is calling for today. In the coming period, the CNV will devote itself to this in many sectors during collective bargaining.
“Due to the corona crisis, the number of people facing burnout has doubled: from 11% to 21%, according to recent research by us. Hundreds of thousands of people are through. It is high time for a new balance,’ says Piet Fortuin, CNV chairman.
Large support
Earlier research by CNV showed that the 30-hour working week is broadly supported by working people in the Netherlands. 60% of the respondents think that with a 30-hour work week they will reach their retirement age in a healthy way and that this will reduce the number of burnouts.
66% state that this will lead to lower absenteeism due to illness, a better work-life balance (73%) and more time for informal care and volunteer work (62%). 48% also say that this will make them more productive and efficient.
Proven in practice
Fortuin: ‘In practice, the shorter working week works out well. Various trials at companies show that people are happier, more efficient and more productive. Iceland is leading the way in this regard. It would be great if Dutch companies followed. The government could also set a good example by reducing the working week.”
Switch
‘The corona crisis teaches us that we can switch faster than we thought. Millions of Dutch people were working from home within a day, eighteen months ago. Now that the economy is thriving again, it is a logical moment to switch to a four-day work week. Our wish is that people who now work in small part-time jobs will also be able to work 30 hours in the future. This also creates a better balance between men and women.”
https://www.cnv.nl/nieuws/cnv-pleit-voor-snelle-invoering-30-urige-werkweek/
