Collective Agreements and Individual Contracts in Labour Law - the Netherlands

Abstract

This paper shows that although the legal framework of labour relations has remained almost intact, the practice has changed considerably the last decades. The paper highlights several changes. It explains however that these developments have not diminished the role of collective agreements. Only the character of the collective agreement has changed.

Finally, the authors discuss future problems and trends, concerning the changing positions of the unions and the changing position of collective arrangements.

Keywords: collective agreements, labour law, collective labour relations, individual employment contract