Labour law and social security in the Netherlands are the result of centuries of development, influenced by economic crises, social changes and legal innovations. One of the defining moments in this history was the Jordaan riot of 1934. This event in Amsterdam not only marked a turning point in social struggles, but also laid the foundations for modern labour law and the welfare state. In this blog, we dive deeper into the lessons of the past and their relevance for labour law today.
The Jordan riot: a city in revolt
On 5 July 1934, chaos reigned in Amsterdam’s Jordaan district. The government had decided to cut support payments for the unemployed by 10 per cent. For the residents of this working-class neighbourhood, who were already living in poverty, this was the last straw. The reaction was violent: streets were broken up, barricades erected and violent clashes with the police ensued. The tragic result: six dead and more than 100 injured. Nevertheless, the government stuck to its decision. In 1936, the unemployment crisis reached its lowest point with 60,000 unemployed in Amsterdam.
The Jordaan was not just any old neighbourhood. Narrow streets, poor housing conditions and a strong sense of community made residents fight together against government policies. Amsterdam was already historically known for its rebellious character.
From insurgency to protection: the rise of the welfare state
Although the Jordan riot brought little short-term change, it laid the groundwork for fundamental reforms. World War II reinforced the belief that the extreme poverty of the 1930s should not return. This led to the construction of the Dutch welfare state, with rights and protection for workers and the unemployed.
Today, workers in the Netherlands enjoy a robust social safety net. For instance, they are entitled to up to two years of WW, after which they may be eligible for social assistance. Also, the legal right to strike now exists, something that was lacking back then. Yet challenges remain. Consider, for instance, the position of self-employed workers, the flexibilisation of the labour market and the complexity of social security schemes such as the WIA. These issues call for a legal framework that moves with social reality.
Employment law today: challenges for the future
Labour law today is more complex than ever. In a time of globalisation, digitalisation and labour market tightness, we see that workers are still willing to take to the streets for fair working conditions. Recent strikes in sectors such as the metal and engineering industries underline this.
A notable bottleneck is the growing group of self-employed workers. While self-employed people value freedom, their limited access to social securities raises questions about subsistence security and equality. Raising the state pension age and its impact on workers in heavy professions are also topical issues that call for legal solutions.
The idea of a basic income is increasingly being mentioned as a possible solution. This could create a simpler, more accessible system where everyone is guaranteed a minimum income. However, the question remains how to make this legally and economically feasible.
Lessons from the past: simplicity and accessibility
A key lesson from the Jordan riots and subsequent social crises is that social policies must be simple and accessible. Recent events, such as the benefits affair, show that complex and opaque rules can put citizens in vulnerable positions. When people lose trust in the system, it creates room for social unrest.
The future of labour law lies in finding the right balance between flexibility for employers and security for employees. Simplifying laws and regulations, strengthening social safety nets and clear procedures are crucial in this respect.
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