For those who thought it would be quiet for a while in labor law after the introduction of the Wab: new agreement on labor market reform

If the trade union and employers' organizations are to be believed, labor law is about to undergo another major overhaul. They have reached an outline agreement on labor market reform and regulation of flexible work. The constituencies of the trade union movement still have to approve the agreement reached, however.

Opinion Socio-Economic Council

The agreement is part of an opinion drafted in the Social and Economic Council (SER). The SER is an advisory body in which business owners, employees and independent experts work together, to reach agreement on important socio-economic issues. The agreement is an attempt by employers and employees to influence cabinet formation. What ultimately happens with the advice is a decision for political The Hague.

The agreement in outline

If it were up to the unions and employers' organizations, zero-hours contracts would disappear, temporary work would be allowed to last three years at most, temporary workers would be paid better and self-employed workers would have to earn at least 35 euros per hour.

The social agreement builds on the advice of the Brestlap Commission, which last year presented a report on the labor market on behalf of the Cabinet. Flexible employment contracts should be reduced as much as possible and tax benefits for the self-employed should disappear, the committee advised at the time.

The agreement is expected to be explained at a press conference on Wednesday. We will, of course, keep you informed of developments.