The Dutch trade union FNV is facing a critical situation, with the Enterprise Chamber intervening due to internal strife. External supervisors have been appointed to rectify the issues, highlighting the severity of the crisis.

The intervention follows escalating internal conflicts within the FNV. While the exact nature of the conflict remains unclear, it stems from a long-standing tension between compromise and activism, a core challenge for trade unions.

This tension is reflected in the opposition between the union’s professional staff, who favor compromise, and the members’ parliament, representing more activist members who prefer direct action. This division has been exacerbated by a reorganization in 2015, which merged several unions into one in an attempt to resolve previous crises. However, differing fundamental approaches have persisted, leading to internal disagreements and perceived betrayals among members.

A key factor contributing to the FNV’s struggles is the declining membership rate. Since the early 2000s, union membership has decreased significantly, currently representing only 15% of the working population. This decline weakens the union’s ability to achieve results and attract new members, creating a vicious cycle.

The weakening of trade unions coincides with increased deregulation of the labor market, the growth of flexible work arrangements, and greater availability of cheap labor, mirroring conditions of the 19th-century labor market. To address these challenges, it has been suggested that the FNV explore alternative membership models, such as an election system where workers can vote for the union to represent them in collective bargaining. This could give young workers a greater voice and address the issue of an aging membership base.

Demographic shifts are also contributing to the FNV’s challenges, with an aging membership base prioritizing the interests of older workers, potentially alienating younger members. Radical change is necessary to prevent further decline, as the current trajectory could lead to the disappearance of trade union membership altogether.