Debate: Flexibilizing work
On 22 September 2016 the first debate of the series “Re-defining old certainties” took place at the Groningen Forum.
Interesting facts and figures were presented.
Mirjam de Rijk (journalist, GroenLinks MP), Harm van Lieshout (lecturer HRM at Hanze University of applied sciences), Erik Pentenga (Flex-working sector director of trade union FNV) and Rudi Wielers (Professor Sociology of work, University of Groningen) were all present; the consensus was clear:
Flexible work, the way it now takes place in the Netherlands, is translated into one statement : “employers offer yearly contracts and can easily dismiss employees”. However this results in huge costs for companies. Employees are less motivated since they know their chances of staying long term at the same company are low.
Employers are forced to invest often in training new employees, while training and further development of long term employees is becoming less frequent.
The are of course many happily self-employed people who would rather do project work (on commission), instead of having one long term employer. However ideal that is for many, it is not for everyone.
Flexibility within an existing function, regarding working hours and days has also been discussed shortly. It is an employee’s right (according to the law) to choose to work less and adapt their working days so that they can e.g. can more easily accommodate hobbies, families etc.
It sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? And theoretically it is. However, the law also states that in case of disagreement between employee and employer regarding the amount of working hours and/or days, it is the employer who has the final word.
Simply, the employer can claim that the wishes of the employee are simply not compatible with the job function. As simple as that. And it happens. And the employee has no choice, at all…
In the near future, the other debates of the series will take place. Looking forward attending them!