The Enterprise Chamber of the Amsterdam Court of Appeal has mandated an investigation into the FNV, the Netherlands’ largest trade union, and appointed two new supervisory board members as a temporary measure to resolve internal conflicts. The court’s decision, announced Friday, follows a lawsuit where FNV staff, supported by the works council and sector boards, sought intervention to address the ongoing crisis.

The newly appointed supervisors will be responsible for organizing new board elections and proposing improvements to the organization. The Enterprise Chamber sided with the staff, noting the failure of FNV bodies to resolve the conflict through mutual consultation.

The court observed that the level of distrust within the FNV had escalated to the point of repeated postponement of board elections. An interim board, appointed to restore order, was dismissed after just two months, and two supervisory board members resigned.

According to the Enterprise Chamber, the internal strife has left the FNV unable to form a board with sufficient support, undermining confidence in the electoral process. The two supervisors, who have not yet been named, will be tasked with ensuring fair elections.

While the court’s intervention may seem unexpected, given the initial reservations expressed during last week’s hearing, the Enterprise Chamber ultimately concluded it was necessary. In a joint statement, the conflicting parties within the FNV stated that they respect the court’s ruling, viewing it as a crucial step towards restoring calm, trust, and sound governance. They expressed their commitment to building a future-proof trade union that embodies solidarity, reliability, and strength, serving the best interests of its members, employees, and society.