The Netherlands: the representativeness of trade unions and employer associations in the private security sector

The private security sector is a dynamic and growing part of the Dutch economy. The social partner for employers is the Association for Private Security Organisations (VPB), with the unions FNV Bondgenoten, CNV Dienstenbond and De Unie/MHP representing about 30% of the sector’s employees. The VPB multi-employer agreement covers 49 companies and 21,610 employees and is extended. The representativeness of the social partners is not an issue. It is notable that the social partners cooperate with the Labour Inspectorate over compliance with the settlements of the collective agreement. This cooperation has led to research teams being set up by the social partners themselves.