ESPN Flash Report: Challenges for the Dutch polder model

As national experts in the European Social Policy Network (ESPN), Regioplan has published a short report on developments regarding the Dutch ‘polder model’. This report was published on the website of the European Commission.

The traditional Dutch “polder model” stands for consensus-oriented consultation between the social partners, but is losing impact due to the increasing flexibility of work and the trade unions’ declining level of organisation. The model’s downfall is particularly visible in current debates on the duration of unemployment benefits as well as the number of recent strike announcements.