Working time reduction in the Netherlands: past developments and future prospects

Abstract

The authors illustrate how, in the case of the Netherlands, different periods have been characterised by different forms of working time reduction. Whereas, during the periods between 1970 and 1975 and between 1980 and 1985, collectively agreed working time fell by over 8 per cent and by almost 6 per cent respectively, the emphasis since the mid-eighties has been on the spread of part-time employment. Without the strong reduction in working time, the "employment miracle" of the Netherlands could not be explained. In parallel with working time reduction, there has been a lengthening of plant operation times and the introduction of variable working time patterns. Now that unemployment levels have fallen considerably, the pressure for a further reduction of working time has let off.