Minister questions two years of continued wage payment during illness

Current Dutch law mandates that employers must pay at least 70 percent of a sick employee's wages for up to 104 weeks, though collective labor agreements often ensure full pay during the first year. Minister Aartsen argues that this system diminishes the financial incentive for employees to return to work quickly. The ministry suggests that limiting mandatory wage supplements to six months could save employers approximately 1.4 billion euros annually while potentially boosting economic growth through increased labor supply. Research indicates this change would likely not increase the number of disabled workers or require additional government spending.

However, government interference in collective labor agreements remains controversial and may conflict with international treaties. While the minister believes public interest justifies potential intervention, the plans have faced significant backlash. Labor unions, including the CNV, have labeled the proposal as highly harmful. This initiative coincides with broader government efforts to cut 6.8 billion euros from social security, including changes to the WIA disability insurance scheme that have caused widespread concern among workers' representatives.