The representativeness of trade unions and employer associations in the insurance sector

The insurance sector is a small but important sector in the Dutch economy. There are two sub sections or domains, insurance companies and intermediaries. There are two employer organisations, the Association of Insurers (VvV) and Adfiz (previously Fidin), and four employee organisations: FNV Bondgenoten, CNV Dienstenbond, De Unie, BBV and, on behalf of the self-employed, the FNV Zelfstandigen. About 25% of employees are organised. The four unions are recognised parties at the negotiation table and thus signatory partners to the extended collective agreement in the insurance section. The extended multi employer collective agreement (for the smaller companies) covers about 35% of the 50,000 employees. The large companies, all members of VvV, each have their own company agreement and dominate the sector. VvV covers 95% of the market. This implies that about 95% of employees ares employed in a member company of VvV. Adfiz organises about 14% of companies (intermediaries). In this domain there is no multi-employer agreement and Adfiz is not involved in collective bargaining.