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Labour Statistics Convention, 1985 (No. 160) - Netherlands (Ratification: 1990)

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Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2021, published 110th ILC session (2022)

Article 3 of the Convention. Revising concepts, definitions and methodology, in cooperation with the social partners. The Committee notes the Government’s response to the previous observations of the FNV regarding the importance of collecting and compiling up-to-date statistics in branches of economic activity where many foreign workers have been posted from abroad, which responds fully to its previous request.

Articles 7 and 8. Employment, unemployment and underemployment statistics. Statistics of the structure and distribution of the economically active population. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in reply to its previous comments and notes that it regularly supplies statistics to the ILO Department of Statistics for dissemination through its website (ILOSTAT). It also notes that the main source of statistical information on the labour force, employment, unemployment and visible underemployment continues to be the Dutch Labour Force Survey. The Dutch Central Bureau for Statistics (Statistics Netherlands) carries out population censuses every 10 years. Census data has been regularly supplied to ILOSTAT. The most recent 2011 household and housing census data is available on Eurostat or the Statistics Netherlands web pages. The Government indicates that Statistics Netherlands is once again organizing a census, based on EU Regulation; the 2021 census data will be transmitted to Eurostat by the end of 2022. The Committee requests the Government to communicate data and methodological information with respect to the 2021 census. It also again invites the Government to provide information on any developments in relation to the implementation of the Resolution concerning statistics of work, employment and labour underutilization (Resolution I), adopted by the 19th International Conference of Labour Statisticians (October 2013).

Article 9. Current statistics of average earnings and hours of work. Statistics of time rates of wages and normal hours of work. The Committee notes that no new information has been provided by the Government with respect to Article 9(1). Data on average monthly earnings is derived from the Structure of Earnings Survey (2018), while data on hours of work is derived from the EU Labour Force Survey. This data has been regularly transmitted to the ILO for dissemination on ILOSTAT since 2011. Methodological information relating to both surveys is available on the Statistics Netherlands web page. With respect to Article 9(2), the Government indicates that the Dutch Central Bureau for Statistics (CBS, Statistics Netherlands) publishes monthly figures on its website with regard to the application of this provision. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information with respect to the application of Article 9 of the Convention. In addition, the Committee reiterates its request that the Government inform the Office of any changes envisaged in the compilation of statistics of wage rates and normal hours of work covering key occupations or groups of occupations in important branches of economic activity.

Article 10. Statistics of wage structure and distribution. With regard to the application of Article 10, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that Statistics Netherlands publishes regular updates with regard to the application of Article 10 on its website. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated information with respect to statistics of wage structure and distribution in its next report.

Article 11. Statistics of labour cost. The Government reports that Statistics Netherlands publishes regular updates with respect to the application of Article 11 on its website. Detailed data by economic activity on labour costs is gathered every four years in the context of research coordinated by Eurostat. The Committee notes that the most recent data published by Statistics Netherlands refers to 2016. It notes, however, that results of the EU Labour Cost Survey have not been received by the ILO Department of Statistics. Statistics of average hourly labour cost by economic activity, derived from the National Accounts are regularly transmitted by the Government for dissemination on ILOSTAT, with the most recent data referring to 2020. The Committee notes that methodological information on the quarterly labour cost index (LCI) is available from EUROSTAT reports. Noting that no estimates of statistics of labour cost derived from the EU Labour Cost Survey have been provided to the ILO for a number of years, the Committee reiterates its request that the Government communicate the data collected through the EU Labour Cost Survey to the ILO as soon as possible.

Article 14. Statistics of occupational injuries and diseases. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report concerning the documents available on the Statistics Netherlands website with respect to the statistical and methodological information related to occupational injuries and diseases. It notes with interest the Government’s response to its previous request concerning the involvement of the social partners with respect to the compilation and updating of this data (Article 3). In addition, the Committee notes that statistics on occupational injuries are regularly submitted to the ILO Department of Statistics through its annual questionnaire on labour statistics. The Committee requests that the Government continue to provide updated information on statistics on occupational injuries and diseases.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2016, published 106th ILC session (2017)

The Committee notes the observations of the Netherlands Trade Union Confederation (FNV), received on 31 August 2015.

Article 3 of the Convention. Revising concepts, definitions and methodology, in cooperation with the social partners. In its observations, the FNV highlights the importance of collecting and compiling up-to-date statistics in accordance with the Convention. The FNV adds that this is particularly important in branches of economic activity where many foreign workers have been posted from abroad. Referring to the implementation of Directive 2014/67/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 on the enforcement of Directive 96/71/EC, concerning the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services, and amending Regulation (EU) No. 1024/2012 on administrative cooperation through the Internal Market Information System, the FNV indicates that a so-called notification duty will be introduced and it is of the utmost importance that labour conditions be made transparent. The Committee requests that the Government provide its comments in this respect.

Articles 7 and 8. Employment, unemployment and underemployment statistics. Statistics of the structure and distribution of the economically active population. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in reply to its previous comments and notes that it regularly supplies statistics to the ILO Department of Statistics for dissemination through its website (ILOSTAT). It also notes that the main source of information on the labour force, employment, unemployment and visible underemployment continues to be the Dutch Labour Force Survey. Statistics derived from the Labour Force Survey, along with the relevant methodological information, are made available on the website of the Netherlands’ Central Bureau of Statistics (Statistics Netherlands). Moreover, Statistics Netherlands conducted a register-based population census in 2011. The Committee requests that the Government continue to supply data and information on the methodology used in compiling statistics in accordance with these provisions, as well as on any plans for conducting the next round of the population census. It also invites the Government to provide information on any developments in relation to the implementation of the Resolution concerning statistics of work, employment and labour underutilization (Resolution I), adopted by the 19th International Conference of Labour Statisticians (October 2013).

Article 9. Current statistics of average earnings and hours of work. Statistics of time rates of wages and normal hours of work. In reply to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government provides information on statistics of average earnings and hours of work (Article 9(1)), as well as information required by Articles 5 and 6. According to information available on the Statistics Netherlands website, the Employment and Wages Survey (EWL), an establishment survey, was the source of statistics on wages and working hours up until 2006, when it was replaced by the Survey on Employment and Earnings Statistics (SWL). Since then, statistics on wages and working hours have been derived from wage declarations to the tax authority, which provides Statistics Netherlands with relevant information. A series of average monthly earnings from the SWL and of average hours actually worked from the Labour Force Survey have been transmitted regularly to the ILO since 2011. The latest data refer to 2013. With respect to statistics of time rates of wages and normal hours of work (Article 9(2)), the Committee notes that no new information has been provided in the Government’s report. The Committee requests that the Government provide information on any changes envisaged in the compilation of statistics of time rates of wages and normal hours of work to cover key occupations or groups of occupations in important branches of economic activity.

Article 10. Statistics of wage structure and distribution. The Committee notes that no new information has been provided in the Government’s report with respect to this provision of the Convention. The Committee requests that the Government provide updated information on the application of Article 10, by indicating whether the Survey on Employment and Earnings Statistics collects and compiles statistics on the structure of earnings and working time.

Article 11. Statistics of labour cost. The Government indicates that detailed data by economic activity on labour costs are gathered every four years in the context of research coordinated by Eurostat. The most recent data published by Statistics Netherlands refer to 2012. On a more aggregated level, Statistics Netherlands publishes data on a quarterly basis on the Internet. The Committee notes that no estimates or statistics of labour costs from the EU Labour Cost Survey have been provided to the ILO Department of Statistics for a number of years. The Committee notes, however, that statistics relating to labour costs drawn from the National Accounts and covering the 2011–14 period have been regularly supplied. The Committee therefore requests that the Government communicate the data collected through the EU Labour Cost Survey to the ILO as soon as possible.

Article 14. Statistics of occupational injuries and diseases. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government concerning the documents available on the website of Statistics Netherlands with respect to the statistical and methodological information related to occupational injuries and diseases. It also notes that statistics on occupational injuries are regularly submitted to the ILO Department of Statistics through its annual questionnaire on labour statistics. In its observations, the FNV indicates that one area where the compilation of statistics is of utmost importance is in the field of occupational injuries and diseases. The FNV adds that labour statistics in this area are absolutely crucial and that it supports the continued compilation of such statistics. The Committee requests that the Government provide updated information on statistics on occupational injuries and diseases. The Committee also requests that the Government provide information regarding consultations held with the social partners concerning the compilation of statistics on occupational injuries and diseases (Article 3).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2011, published 101st ILC session (2012)

Article 9 of the Convention. Compilation of statistics on average earnings and hours of work. The Committee notes that the statistics required under this Article have not been received at the ILO since 2005 and that they are not available on the website provided in the Government’s report. It asks once again that the Government to take the necessary measures to transmit regularly the statistics on average earnings and hours of work to the ILO as soon as they become available together with information on their publication and methodology, as required in Articles 5 and 6.

The Committee draws the attention of the Government to Resolution I[1] concerning the measurement of working time adopted by the 18th International Conference of Labour Statistics in November–December 2008, which defines new concepts and measures in this area of statistics.

Article 11 of the Convention. Compilation of statistics of labour cost. In its previous comments, the Committee had noted that estimates concerning labour costs in industry had not been supplied to the ILO for several years. The Committee notes that according to the Government, detailed data by economic activity on labour cost are gathered every four years in the context of research coordinated by EUROSTAT and that the most recent data published by the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) are the results for 2004. The Committee also notes however, that no estimates of labour cost in industry have been provided to the ILO for a number of years and that these statistics are not readily available on the CBS website. The Committee once again requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that statistics on labour cost, consistent with data on employment and hours of work (hours actually worked or hours paid for), cover the important branches of economic activity, in particular industrial activity. It also draws the Government’s attention to the obligations of Articles 5 and 6 concerning the timely communication of data collected and methodological information underpinning them to the ILO.

Article 14(1). Compilation of statistics on occupational injuries. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes with interest that the information provided by the Government with respect to the collection and dissemination of statistics on occupational injuries is in compliance with the requirements of Article 14. However, the Committee wishes to point out, that the information supplied by the Government is not sufficient to permit a proper assessment of the application of Article 3 on consultation with organizations of employers and workers. The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide information on the consultations held with representative organizations of employers and workers in designing or revising the concepts, definitions and methodology used in the collection, compilation and publication of statistics on occupational injuries.

Article 14(2). Compilation of statistics on occupational diseases. The committee notes that the information provided by the Government is not sufficient to allow it to assess the extent to which this provision is applied. It therefore once again, requests the Government to supply information on: (i) standards and guidelines that have been taken into account in designing the concepts, definitions, and methodology used (Article 2); (ii) the consultations held with representative organisations of employers and workers in designing or revising the concepts, definitions and methodology used in collection, compilation, and publication of statistics on occupational diseases (Article 3); and (iii) the title and reference number of the principal publication which contains the detailed descriptions of the survey methodology used (Article 6).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2006, published 96th ILC session (2007)

With reference to its observation also, the Committee draws the Government’s attention to the following matters.

Article 9 of the Convention. The Committee notes that the requirements for this Article continue to be observed. It trusts that the Government will take the necessary measures to transmit regularly the statistics referred to in these provisions to the ILO as soon as they become available for this and that the information will be accompanied by information, as required in Articles 5 and 6.

Article 11. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes that estimates concerning labour costs in industry have not been supplied to the Office for several years. It is therefore bound to draw the Government’s attention again to the obligation, under Article 5, to communicate to the ILO, as soon as practicable, the published statistics compiled in pursuance of this Article and information concerning their publication.

Article 14. While noting with interest the progress made in compilation of statistics on occupational industries and occupational diseases, the Committee again draws the Government’s attention to the obligation, in compliance with Articles 2, 3, 5, and 6, to supply information on: (i) standards and guidelines that have been taken into account in designing the concepts, definitions and methodology used (Article 2); (ii) the consultations held with representative organizations of employers and workers in designing or revising the concepts, definitions and methodology used in the collection, compilation and publication of such statistics (Article 3); (iii) the title and reference number of the principal publication which contains the detailed descriptions of the survey methodology used (Article 6). The Committee trusts that the Government will ensure that the statistics compiled and published pursuant to this Article are communicated to the ILO, as soon as practicable.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2006, published 96th ILC session (2007)

The Committee notes the Government’s report and the information supplied in reply to its previous comments. It also notes the convergence of opinions expressed by the Trade Union Federation of Middle and Higher Level Employees (MHP) and Statistics Netherlands (CBS) and endorsed by the Government. The ILO Bureau of Statistics is fully aware that the methodology of statistics on labour costs has been altered and that they cannot therefore be compared with those from previous surveys. The ILO Bureau of Statistics provided the CBS with guidelines in 1999 to the effect that such statistics should nevertheless be accompanied by explanatory notes, codes and other technical publication and distribution methods designed to inform users of the lack of comparable features in regard to data from previous surveys. The Committee notes, however, that despite these clarifications, the statistics have still not been transmitted to the ILO. The Committee draws the Government’s attention to its obligations under Article 5 of the Convention, to transmit to the ILO the statistics covered by Article 11, as soon as they become available and as soon as practicable. It would also be grateful if the Government would indicate the measures envisaged to ensure that, in accordance with Article 5 of the Convention, statistics on labour cost, consistent with data on employment and hours of work (hours actually worked or hours paid for), cover the important branches of economic activity, in particular industrial activity (Article 11).

Article 8. Information available at the ILO indicates that the most recent population census (2001), conducted in accordance with a new approach laid down by the European Union, emphasizing economic activity is based on administrative registers containing full and detailed information on employment and social security. A social security database sourcing information from a wide range of administrative registers and sample surveys provides detailed information on persons, households, occupations and (social) benefits. The Committee notes with interest that the results of the method used are published on the CBS Internet site. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply a detailed description of the system so that the Committee can recommend its use by a larger number of members.

The Committee is addressing a request on other matters directly to the Government.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2000, published 89th ILC session (2001)

The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government, in particular, "The 2001 Census in the Netherlands, Integration of Registers and Surveys - Statistics Netherlands, June 2000" attached to the report, in which is presented the Dutch census programme.

The Committee asks the Government to supply further information on the following points.

Article 11 of the Convention. The Committee notes that, according to the available information in the ILO, Statistics Netherlands (CBS) did not wish to send the results of the 1996 Labour Cost Survey to the ILO, considering that these data were not comparable to those of previous surveys. It draws the Government’s attention to the requirement, in accordance with Article 5, to communicate to the ILO, as soon as practicable, the published statistics compiled in pursuance of this Article and information concerning their publication.

Article 14. The Committee notes the information provided in the report on statistics of occupational injuries compiled from the "Injury Information System" and on statistics of occupational diseases compiled from the records of the Dutch Centre of Occupational Diseases. In this connection, it draws the Government’s attention to the requirement under Articles 2, 3, 5 and 6 to supply information on: (i) those international standards and guidelines which were taken into account when the concepts, definitions and methodology used for these statistics were designed (Article 2); (ii) the extent of any consultation with the representative organizations of employers and workers when designing or revising the concepts, definitions and methodology used in the collection, compilation and publication of these statistics (Article 3); (iii) the title and reference number of the principal publication which contains the detailed methodological description of the survey (Article 6). It also asks the Government to communicate to the ILO, as soon as practical, the published statistics compiled in pursuance of this Article (Article 5).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1999, published 88th ILC session (2000)

The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the following points raised in its previous direct request:

Article 8. The Committee recalls that, the 1981 census having been cancelled, it was planned to replace the next census by a combination of population registers and labour force surveys. It requests the Government to indicate developments in this regard.

Article 14. Further to the previous request, the Committee notes the absence of recorded information on the exact amount of time lost from work accidents, and requests the Government to keep the matter under review. It asks the Government to supply information on any developments in this respect as well as further progress made in the reporting of occupational diseases. In the absence of reply, the Committee again requests the Government to indicate whether ILO standards and guidelines have been followed in designing or revising the concepts and methodology of statistics of occupational injuries, and any departures from them (in accordance with Article 2), and to communicate to the ILO the published statistics (Article 5) and the methodological descriptions of these statistics, including information concerning the coverage of the statistics, the terminology and definitions and the reporting and data-collection procedures (Article 6).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 82nd ILC session (1995)

The Committee notes that the Government's report contains no reply to its comments. It hopes that the next report will include full information on the following matters raised in its previous direct request:

Article 3 of the Convention. The Government indicated in its first report that new statistics, including essential modifications of statistics, had to be submitted to the Central Commission for Statistics, in which employers and workers were represented. The Committee requests the Government to supply more detailed information on this Commission (such as its composition and responsibilities, and statutory text, if any, concerning its establishment).

It would also appreciate particular information on the manner in which employers' and workers' organizations were consulted with respect to the introduction in 1991 of the Survey of Employment and Wages.

Article 7. The Committee requests the Government to provide more information (both data and methodology) concerning the employment statistics derived from the Annual Survey on Employment and Wages (Jaarlijke onderzoek werkgelegenheid en lonen), including the methodological description of this Survey (in accordance with Article 6), which was published in 1992, according to the Government's report.

Article 14. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information regarding: (i) the availability of data relating to workdays lost by persons injured; and (ii) the status of statistics relating to occupational diseases, the reasons why such statistics are not compiled and any plans for their future development. It also asks the Government to indicate whether ILO standards and guidelines have been followed in designing or revising the concepts and methodology of statistics of occupational injuries, and the reasons for any departures from them (in accordance with Article 2). The Committee would appreciate it if the published statistics of occupational injuries (Statistiek der Bodrijfsongevallen) (in accordance with Article 5) as well as the methodological description of these statistics (in accordance with Article 6) would be communicated to the ILO.

Article 15. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether methodological descriptions of statistics of strikes and lockouts are published by the competent national body (in accordance with Article 6).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 83rd ILC session (1996)

The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in reply to its previous comments concerning Articles 3, 7 and 15 of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1994, published 81st ILC session (1994)

The Committee has noted the Government's first report. It would be grateful if the Government would provide further information on the following points.

Article 3 of the Convention. The Government indicates in its report that new statistics, including essential modifications of statistics, have to be submitted to the Central Commission for Statistics, in which employers and workers are represented. The Committee requests the Government to supply more detailed information on this Commission (such as its composition and responsibilities, and statutory text, if any, concerning its establishment).