MPs think full-time employee bonuses might address the labor deficit in the Netherlands
The Dutch government is considering a payment for employees who work full-time hours
The proposal's core idea is to financially reward part-time workers who transition to full-time contracts. However, a similar policy might also be implemented for employees who continue to work part-time but agree to increase their hours, for example, from 24 to 32 hours per week.
The healthcare, child care, educational, and construction sectors—all of which suffer from chronic understaffing—would also be targeted by the incentive program. The Minister of Social Affairs and Employment, Karien van Gennip, told RTL Nieuws that it would be "quite wonderful" if people started working a few longer hours, particularly in the hospital and educational sectors.
The House overwhelmingly backed the proposal, which was put up by D66 and the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), during a recent discussion, although Prime Minister Mark Rutte has noted that it would be challenging to execute.
According to a recent decision by the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights, the motion unlawfully distinguishes between full-time and part-time employment. Recent arguments have also emphasized how the incentive unintentionally disadvantages women, who are generally more inclined to work part-time jobs, particularly after having children.
On Thursday, the motion and the national labor crisis will be discussed once more in the legislature. Despite the fact that the incentive seems to be a popular option, the Netherlands Institute for Social Research (SCP) contends that the government should do more to entice mothers with older children to return to work or expand their hours.
