The Netherlands, explained in English · Wednesday 4 November 2026Wed 4 Nov

Economy

Metal sector early retirement scheme extended through 2027

Metal and engineering employees who meet the conditions can still stop work up to three years before state pension age next year, after unions and employers agreed a one-year extension.

Glass office tower in Amsterdam's Zuidas
iIllustrative photo: lettinck / Pixabay Content License

The social partners in the metal and engineering sector (Metaal en Techniek) have extended the current early retirement scheme, the RVU, by one year, the union FNV says. It will run from 1 January to 31 December 2027.

Employees who meet the conditions can stop working up to three years before their AOW (state pension) age. The current rules of the Stichting RVU Metaal en Techniek, the foundation behind the scheme, continue to apply in 2027.

Applications for 2027 must reach the foundation no later than 1 October 2027.

The extension gives the social partners more time to agree a new scheme. It must meet the RVU accord (RVU-akkoord) and be aimed mainly at employees in heavy work who cannot stay healthy at work until state pension age.