The Netherlands: EIRO CAR on the Changing Business Landscape in the Electricity sector and Industrial Relations in Europe

The electricity sector has been affected by the challenges posed by the introduction of market mechanisms. While the Network has remained under state control, production and distribution have since 2006 been delegated to the market. Internationalisation has had its influence on the autonomy of companies. So far, the effect on the number of employees has turned out lower than expected. The effect of the crisis has until now been negligible. The social partners have addressed the new issues by keeping a sharp eye on the level of pay, but also with the introduction of new pay mechanisms. The foreseen shortage of personnel is tackled by the two parties through broader opportunities for scholars and trainees.