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The Netherlands, explained in English · Wednesday 7 October 2026

The Netherlands, explained

Sociaal akkoord

A sociaal akkoord is a broad agreement negotiated between the Dutch government, labor unions, and employer organizations on major workplace and economic policies. These accords typically cover wages, working conditions, pensions, and social benefits, and reflect the Dutch tradition of consensus-based policymaking called the 'polder model.' Such agreements are significant because they set the framework for labor relations and social policy across the entire country.

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