The Dutch Trade Union Federation (FNV) is grappling with a severe internal crisis, prompting intervention from the Enterprise Chamber, a division of the Amsterdam court. This intervention comes at the request of the FNV staff, signaling a deep-seated inability of the union to resolve its own internal issues. Two external supervisors have been appointed to oversee and rectify the situation.

The root of the conflict remains somewhat obscure, but it fundamentally stems from the inherent tension within the labor movement between consensus-building (“poldering”) and aggressive action (“fighting”). This tension, a long-standing characteristic of the Dutch labor movement, has escalated to a breaking point within the FNV.

The conflict pits the professional staff, who favor compromise and negotiation, against the members’ parliament, which represents more activist members advocating for direct action. This division has been exacerbated by a reorganization in 2015, which merged seven unions into a single entity with the members’ parliament holding the final say. This reorganization, intended to resolve prior crises, may have inadvertently intensified existing disagreements by forcing disparate factions to collaborate.

Adding to the FNV’s woes is a steady decline in membership, from 25% of the working population in 2003 to just 15% currently. This decline weakens the union’s bargaining power and creates a vicious cycle, where diminished influence leads to fewer incentives for workers to join. While the FNV can still negotiate collective labor agreements for all workers in some sectors, this power is increasingly reliant on the willingness of employers.

The labor market’s increasing resemblance to the unregulated conditions of the 19th century further underscores the importance of a strong trade union. Employers now have greater freedom in organizing work, leading to a rise in flexible work and self-employment. Simultaneously, social security offers less protection, and the open European borders provide access to cheaper labor.

To address these challenges, alternative membership models, such as an election system where workers vote for the union that will negotiate their collective labor agreement, should be considered. This could give young people a voice and prioritize their interests, a critical step given the aging membership of the FNV. The current situation, if left unaddressed, could lead to the demise of the trade union movement.