NL – Construction, 2nd NAP

Pillar 1

Inclusion of ‘business and human rights’ in the Netherlands’ national policy

Labour market policy and employment law

“Migrant workers make a major contribution to the local and national economy. Various sectors, including agriculture and horticulture, construction and logistics, are dependent on migrant labour. …” p. 26.

Development cooperation

The Trade Union Co-financing Programme for Decent Work for All

“An essential precondition for decent work is that trade unions can organise freely and are recognised as a negotiating partner by employers and governments. The VMP [Netherlands’ Trade Union Co-financing Programme] promotes respect for the right to organise by working with local partners and other actors in areas where this democratic freedom is not respected. Examples include … social dialogue in Rwanda resulting in the introduction of certificates recognising work experience, thus enabling low-skilled workers in the construction industry to improve their career prospects… In addition to engaging in social dialogue, trade unions stand up for individuals, for example in cases of sexual intimidation and dismissal or threats of dismissal due to trade union membership. Unions also champion the right to collective bargaining at company and industry level, and defend victims of unsafe working practices on palm oil plantations and in the construction industry.” p. 47