On Thursday 27 August 2026, De Unie sent letters to the employers’ organisations within the Metal & Engineering, Motor Vehicles & Two-Wheelers and Metalektro sectors. In these letters, we announce potential industrial action in the coming period, in response to the government’s plans to make drastic cuts to social security in the Netherlands. In the message below, we explain what this means.
Welfare cuts must be scrapped
In its plans, the Cabinet has announced major cuts to the WIA, WW and AOW benefits. In response, the trade union confederations VCP, FNV and CNV issued an ultimatum to the Cabinet to take these dismantlement plans off the table and enter into discussions on better solutions. The Cabinet has rejected that ultimatum. Therefore, the trade union confederations are continuing their actions.
De Unie supports the call to action
De Unie is affiliated with the VCP trade union confederation. As a trade union, De Unie advocates for strong social security and the fair treatment of workers. The government’s plans will have a major impact on middle and higher earners and will reduce the social safety net to a minimum at a time of great market uncertainty. This is unacceptable to De Unie.
Read more here about the government's plans and our response to them.
What does this mean for you?
We are currently preparing various regional actions in consultation with the other trade unions. Our members in the Metal & Technology, Motor Vehicles & Two-Wheelers and Metalektro sectors will soon receive more information about supporting or participating in the actions.
Together, let's show that a strong social security system is not a cost, but a prerequisite for a decent society.
Sign the petition!
Would you like to speak out against the government's plans? Then sign the VCP's online petition. Your voice will then be heard in the call from the VCP. Would you like to know more about what the VCP does? Read more about the action file here Stop the demolition.
Questions?
If you have any questions or comments regarding this message, please contact one of our advocates Suat Koetloe of Jesse van Roeden.
