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Why does consultation play such a significant role in the Dutch economy?

Trade unions and employers’ organisations in the Netherlands use consultation as a tool for achieving consensus on the objectives of social and economic policy and the means used to attain those objectives.

The two sides of industry consult at various levels. At the company level, the elected works council consults with company management. At the industry level, the trade unions and employers’ associations consult on collective employment terms. And at national level, the two sides engage in consultations in the Social and Economic Council and the Labour Foundation.