The Netherlands: The representativeness of trade unions and employer associations in the Woodworking Sector

The major economic developments in the small woodworking sector are highly determined by the economic crisis. The effects of the economic downturn are noticeable in a substantial decline in numbers of employees. As the for the woodworking sector vital building industry almost came to a still stand, so did the carpenter industry. The position of the social partners has remained unchanged. The unions of FNV and CNV dominate at sector level the industrial relations, the employers organizations VHN, NBvT, EPV and VPL do so from employer perspective. With the exception of VPL in recent years, the organizations conclude (usually extended) collective labour agreements.