Strengthening union presence in schools: lessons from the Netherlands
An interview with representatives of the Algemene Onderwijsbond (AOb) sheds light on how union renewal in the Netherlands is closely linked to the presence of trusted representatives in schools. In many workplaces, school representatives play an informal but essential role, acting as the first point of contact for teachers and helping maintain a daily connection between members and the union.
The interview highlights that while AOb has achieved important gains at national level, teachers’ main concern today is not pay but workload. As one union official explained:
“For the first time in years, for our members, pay is not the main issue. Inflation is rising but we have a 5% pay rise this year, and won 10% after Covid. The biggest problem is workload – workload, workload, workload and workload!”
The case study also points to ongoing internal discussions within the union about how best to support school representatives, clarify responsibilities, and avoid overburdening teachers who take on union roles. Strengthening union presence at school level is seen as a long-term process that requires sustained training, trust, and organisational reflection.
