All cuts to social security must be taken off the table, otherwise there will be a strike. That was, in short, the message from the unions to the cabinet, which wants 6.5 billion euros in cuts in social security. This week, an ultimatum that the unions had imposed on the cabinet expired. Minister of Social Affairs Hans Vijlbrief (D66) tried to calm emotions with a letter, but to no avail.
In this Hague Affairs you will hear from Liam van de Ven and Eline Nugteren about the relationship between trade unions and politics. Why is it so important for this cabinet to keep the unions satisfied? And where will the money come from?
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Read and listen further
The government is back to square one with the major cutback plans for social security
Cut back on the WIA? Do more to prevent workers from falling ill, say company doctors
Why the cuts to benefits and healthcare will be extra painful
The baptism of fire of the incoming cabinet
- Guests:
- Eline Nugteren & Liam van de Ven
- Presentation:
- Iris Verhulsdonk
- Editorial:
- Lotteke Boogert
- Assembly:
- Pieter Bakker
- Photo:
- Robin Utrecht
