3.2 Trade unions
The two major trade union federations in the Netherlands originate from trade unions founded at the turn of the century. Besides serving the social and economic interests of their members, both organisations are involved in development cooperation. Other specialised departments deal with environmental issues relating to, for example, labour and production. Members of both trade union federations participate in the sustainable development debate in the Netherlands.
The FNV is a federation of 14 independent trade unions operating in various sectors of the economy. The federation arose from a merger of Catholic and non-confessional trade unions. The focal points of the FNV are employment and income, two aspects that cover a very broad area. Income may be derived from work, but also from social benefits.
Consequently, the trade union movement not only negotiates collective labour agreements with employers but is also concerned with social security.
FNV Mondiaal is the international department of the federation. The international policies of the FNV are rooted in a belief in just, peaceful and democratic global relations. There are three core work areas: 1) influencing political processes, both nationally and internationally; 2) supporting the trade union movement and related organisations, including women’s groups, in developing and transitional countries; and 3) providing information in the Netherlands aimed at involving members of FNV affiliates in its international work. Besides advocacy, awareness raising activities, campaigning, and information dissemination, FNV Mondiaal also supports about 200 projects a year in developing countries.
The CNV is a general Christian trade union federation. Eleven trade unions are affiliated to the CNV working in the various sectors. The CNV unions guard and advocate employees’ rights in matters related to collective labour agreements, social security, and pensions. The CNV works for the renewal and betterment of society, for all people to share in prosperity and well-being, to live in freedom on the basis of equality. It is a member of the World Confederation of Labour (WCL).
CNV Internationaal is a special department for international solidarity that coordinates organisational, financial and technical support to trade unions in developing countries and supports the struggle for human rights. It donates to sister trade unions in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and in Central and Eastern Europe. The focus of this financial solidarity is on the poorest unions to help them build up their organisations and support them in their training activities.
In the Netherlands this organisation aims to raise the awareness among members about the situation of trade unions in developing countries and the role they play in the processes of democratisation. The CNV also organises solidarity actions for trade unions abroad.