Leaks in the Polder (model)
Holland's combination of labour market flexibilisation and wage restraint with only gradual cuts in the social security system is increasingly presented as a model for the rest of Europe. But, as John Cozijn reports, more and more people in Holland are criticising the "Polder" (dike) Model
The Dutch trade unions were very supportive about the recent EU employment summit in Luxembourg, and criticised the European Trade Union Congress (ETUC) for organising a demonstration there.
Since 1982 the Dutch trade unions have supported wage restraint. The TU leadership "co-thinks" with the bosses about restructuring companies and the economy. Union leaders repeat to their members that bigger profits will lead to new investments and more jobs. As proof of their good sense, they point to the official unemployment figures of 5.3%, much lower than the EU average.
But even De Volkskrant, the newspaper closest to the ruling Labour Party (PvdA), admits that many groups of jobless people are not counted in this statistic According to the OECD (the 24 most industrialised countries) real unemployment [including chronic underemployment] in Holland is around 20%. Most new jobs are part-time. Over the last 10 years part time workers have increased from 22% to 37% of the total workforce
Spain has the highest unemployment in the EU, with 20% out of work according to official figures, But Holland is the champion of temporary work. Super-flexible contracts that will enable employers to cut their workforce immediately as soon as there are signs of a new recession.
The problems with poverty and social exclusion are becoming clear for more and more people. Around one millior people from a population of 15 million are living under the poverty-line. Education and health care are becoming less and less accessible.
A number of petitions and other initiatives are seeking to mobilise people against these developments. Since Holland's fake success in reducing unemployment is presented as a model across the European Union, this is particularly important for the development of an international critical movement against the European project of the bosses. Outspoken fans of the Polder Model include British Prime Minister Tony Blair and French trade union leader Nicole Notat.
Although the line of the trade union leadership is terrible, some thing are changing. The trade union council of the ABVAKABO (civil-servants union) supported the Luxemburg demonstration, though the daily leadership was against.
There is also a small but important group of TU-activists that want to build a Euro-critical platform inside the unions. The Dutch network which supports the European Marches against Unemployment is active in these initiatives, as well as the successful platform of economists opposed to European Monetary Union, a progressive Dutch initiative which has sparked similar movements among intellectuals in other EU countries.
While building a broad coalition against poverty in Holland, EuroMarch activists will try to link poverty-problems with the fight against European unification. Next time there is an all-European demonstration against unemployment, a Dutch delegation will be there, with or without the leaders of "their" trade unions! * This article first appeared on the EuroMarch listserver. It may also appear in Spectre Magazine.
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