Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2002, published 91st ILC session (2003)

Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Netherlands (Ratification: 1967)

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report for the period 1 June 2000 to 1 June 2002 in reply to its previous direct request, and the appended reports.

1. Article 1 of the Convention. The Government states that it is continuing its efforts to reduce long-term unemployment and to increase the participation rates of targeted groups such as older workers and women. In line with these objectives, employment increased by 2.4 per cent in 2000, and was expected to rise by 1.75 per cent in 2001. Employment rates for men rose from 76.3 per cent in 1999 to 77.1 per cent in 2001; for women, they rose from 51.9 per cent to 53.4 per cent. The activity rate for women also rose, from 54.8 per cent in 1999 to 56.1 per cent in 2001. General unemployment decreased, from 4.1 per cent in 1999 to 3.4 per cent in 2001, with a particularly large decrease in unemployment for ethnic minorities from approximately 16 per cent in 1998 to about 10 per cent in 2000. Underemployment also dropped, from 200,000 in 1998 to 105,000 in 2000. Job losses were concentrated in non-construction manufacturing, transport and communications, while job growth was mainly in health care, social services and non-commercial services.

2. The Committee notes with interest that in response to the "decreasing competitive position in industry", the Minister of Labour and State Secretaries have called for "investment-oriented collective labour agreements", which establish a relationship between responsible pay increases, qualitative investments and flexible pay structures (Summary of the Social Memorandum, 2002, p. 3). It would appreciate being kept informed of the outcome of this effort.

3. The Committee notes that the participation rate of older workers remains low. However, the Government has drafted a Bill on equal treatment on grounds of age in employment, occupation and vocational training, and has established an Older Worker Taskforce to change perceptions of older workers. It would appreciate receiving further information on the outcome of these and other efforts to increase the participation rates of older workers.

4. Article 2. The Committee notes the detailed and informative evaluations of existing policies and programmes, in particular the "Dutch Experiences with the European Employment Strategy". Please continue to supply such information, in particular, any follow-up action taken in light of the findings of these and other evaluations.