Public management reforms and public sector employment relations in The Netherlands

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to study the overall development of public sector industrial relations in The Netherlands.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the main literature on the topic and relevant policy texts. There are interviews with key individuals referenced and utilised.

Findings

Although the direction of change in Dutch public sector employment relations is towards private sector norms, it is unclear whether this will lead to a complete withering away of the traditional characteristics of public sector employment relations.

Research limitations/implications

It is a general overview of key developments.

Practical implications

It is relevant for a discussion of the general trends and dynamic of public sector industrial relations in The Netherlands.

Originality/value

This article manages to take an overview of developments and point to the uncertain nature of a new market approach.

Citation

Steijn, B. and Leisink, P. (2007), "Public management reforms and public sector employment relations in The Netherlands", International Journal of Public Sector Management, Vol. 20 No. 1, pp. 34-47. https://doi.org/10.1108/09513550710722698