NL – Freedom of association, 2nd NAP
Pillar I
Inclusion of ‘business and human rights’ in the Netherlands’ national policy
Labour market policy and employment law
“Human rights violations by businesses, including violations of labour rights, persist in the Netherlands, despite existing policy instruments aimed at preventing them. Although Dutch foreign policy considers violations of labour rights to be a human rights matter, NBA researchers concluded that within the Netherlands the issue is seldom viewed from the perspective of human rights and is more frequently approached in the framework of employment legislation and collective labour agreements.” p. 26.
Development cooperation
Sustainable trade with and investment in developing countries
“A range of Dutch and international implementing organisations make efforts to improve the business climate and supplementary government policy in developing countries, focusing particularly on SME producers as the ones playing the most significant role in poverty alleviation. Examples include providing access to financial services, improving infrastructure and building capacity for entrepreneurs and their trade associations.” P. 46.
Development cooperation
The Trade Union Cofinancing Programme for Decent Work for All
“One of the most important goals of trade unions around the world is decent work for all (SDG 8). Mondiaal FNV, the international arm of the Dutch Trade Union Confederation FNV, collaborates with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to implement the Netherlands’ Trade Union Cofinancing Programme (VMP). With Dutch government financing, Mondiaal FNV supports trade unions in the Global South, for example in participating in social dialogue. This strengthens trade unions’ mandate to negotiate employment conditions on behalf of employees and with employers and governments on legislation…. An essential precondition for decent work is that trade unions can organise freely and are recognised as a negotiating partner by employers and governments….Examples include the VMP’s contribution in Ghana to research and to bolstering the Ghana Trades Union Congress, resulting in social dialogue with the government and employers; 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; and the important role played by trade unions in Ethiopia in drafting the first minimum wage law. 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.
Pillar III
Strengthening Civil Society
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs not only provides funding but is also a partner and can, when appropriate and possible, take diplomatic measures to help these consortia achieve their goals. This is also the case for the Netherlands’ Trade Union Cofinancing Programme. As part of this programme, CNV International and Mondiaal FNV (the international arms of Dutch trade union federations) are supporting workers’ organisations so that complaints can be lodged and dealt with as locally as possible.” p. 69.