Representing members' interests
Bouwend Nederland represents the interests of its members by influencing legislation at European, national, regional, and local level. Changes and developments are monitored that are important for the sector both in the short term and the long term. Bouwend Nederland aims to be involved at an early stage in the development of new legislation in order to influence the final outcome. Making a contribution to solutions for social problems is an important starting point.
Influencing legislation on EU level
Around 50 to 65 per cent of current legislation is developed at a European level. That is why our attempts to influence legislation are focussing more and more on Brussels. Bouwend Nederland maintains contacts with European Members of Parliament, EU representatives in the Netherlands, and similar organisations and trade associations in order to ensure legislation is kept workable for Dutch construction companies. Bouwend Nederland is affiliated to FIEC, the European Construction Industry Federation, IRF, the International Road Federation and works together with UEAPME and BusinessEurope (through our membership of MKB NL and VNO NCW).
In partnership
Bouwend Nederland does not raise issues on its own, but often together with such organisations as the Dutch Federation of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MKB Nederland), the Confederation of Netherlands Industries and Employers (VNO NCW), and the Regional Construction Industry Board (Regieraad Bouw). Where necessary, the Federation can enter into a (temporary) coalition with other interest groups to ensure that the business climate in the construction industry remains positive or is even improved. Bouwend Nederland is an important consultation partner for politicians, government bodies, and all organisations connected with the construction industry.
Promoting construction volume
The promotion of construction volume is an important element of representing members' interests. The Spatial Planning Policy Document (Nota Ruimte) was discussed in the Dutch parliament. In this policy document, the government set out its vision for the future of spatial planning in the Netherlands. The policy document is to be implemented on a decentralised basis: the regions will be responsible for putting the plans into action. Bouwend Nederland is monitoring the progress in each region to make sure the agreements are actually being carried out, and will demand action from the (local) government in the event volume agreements are not being realised. In the future, Bouwend Nederland is also going to set up a similar monitoring system for infrastructure.
Quality hallmarks
Independent of Bouwend Nederland there are several initiatives in relation to quality and integrity assurance. Bouwend Nederland supports these initiatives and encourages its members to participate in the quality hallmarks, accreditation schemes, and certifications.
Collective labour agreement (CAO)
Bouwend Nederland negotiates a CAO for construction site workers and for supervisory, technical, and administrative (UTA) personnel. By agreeing employment conditions at a sector level, the same general rights and obligations apply for all employers and employees. In 2005, a single CAO has been negotiated for both construction site workers and UTA personnel. This is the first step towards further modernisation of the CAO system, giving more room for customised agreements between employers and employees. That type of CAO meets the needs of the sector and suits the operational management of individual companies much better.
Training and education
If the sector is to have a future it needs a properly trained workforce at all job levels. For a properly trained workforce, we need specialised vocational training and education. Bouwend Nederland is working to make sure that secondary schools and further education colleges provide courses that actually meet the current requirements of the industry. It does this by encouraging the introduction of work-based elements in vocational education and more work placements. The Federation is involved in such initiatives as ‘The Skyline is Yours'’, ‘BouwTalent’, and ‘Deltapunt Techniek’.
Benchmark
Bouwend Nederland carries out structural benchmark research on the operational management of its members. Based on the research findings, the Federation organises seminars and develops workshops for its members.
Member Services
A third important core task of Bouwend Nederland is providing member services, both collective and individual. Bouwend Nederland keeps its members up-to-date about important changes in legislation and the direct consequences of such for the way they run their businesses. General advisers help members with problems involving labour relations and legal affairs. Federation consultants hold surgeries for more complex issues, and we have a network of specialised bureaus for judicial advice. Bouwend Nederland also offers individual member benefits. These include insurance benefits, collective contracts, and benefits directly related to operational management. An overview of all the benefits of membership is currently being drawn up. Members of Bouwend Nederland also benefit from the special members zone on the website.