Employees of the FNV, the Netherlands’ largest trade union, have taken legal action against their own organization, seeking intervention from the Enterprise Chamber to resolve a deep governance crisis. The lawsuit, heard in the Amsterdam court of appeal, highlights the severe internal strife and distrust that have plagued the union since February, leading to postponed board elections and the dismissal of an interim board.

The employees are demanding the appointment of two external supervisors to oversee the elections for a new board and to make recommendations for a new board structure. This move underscores the extent of the crisis, with various factions within the FNV seemingly unable to resolve their differences internally.

The conflict stems from long-standing divisions within the FNV, exacerbated by mergers and internal struggles over the past 120 years. Multiple studies have described the FNV as an “unsafe and poor working environment,” where harsh communication styles and internal competition hinder its effectiveness.

While interim general secretary Leo Hartveld and the chairman of the members’ parliament emphasize the union’s democratic structure and its ability to resolve conflicts internally, judges have questioned whether the focus on association democracy is overshadowing the organization’s functionality. The Enterprise Chamber acknowledges the difficulty of intervening in an association like the FNV but stresses the importance of an authoritative trade union, especially in the current climate.

A judge expressed concern that the FNV is making a “mess” of its internal affairs and may require external intervention if it cannot resolve the crisis itself. Despite a suggestion from the judge to suspend the hearing and attempt a resolution, it appears unlikely that a solution can be reached without external assistance. The Enterprise Chamber is expected to issue a ruling at the end of next week.