Healthcare union ‘unpleasantly surprised’ by ‘unacceptable’ cabinet registration plan Financial

“Medical data is not for the employer,” says Salden in an initial response. “You start to wonder whether alcohol or drug tests will also be allowed in the future, or whether employers can also ask about vaccinations against other infections.” In principle, employers in the Netherlands are prohibited from asking staff for their medical records, but De Jonge now wants to make an exception for healthcare.

“We know that 95% of healthcare workers are vaccinated, and that these professionals know how to minimize the risk of infection,” said Salden. “In addition, we already have a shortage of healthcare personnel and a higher outflow than inflow. These people do not want to end up in an exceptional position again.”

Vaccination compulsion

CNV also opposes the obligation to register personnel. The union continues to emphasize that employers should not pressure their employees to be vaccinated. “A direct or indirect compulsory vaccination is a violation of physical integrity and in violation of the right to self-determination,” said chairman Fortuin. “We are against a registration obligation for personnel. It does not solve any problem, if only because vaccinated people can also transmit the virus.”

“The vaccine offers no guarantee against infections in the workplace, but against serious disease,” says Fortuin. “Should the number of infections increase again, CNV calls on this cabinet to review the measures again. Timely intervention is necessary in order not to burden healthcare workers more heavily. For example, the one and a half meters away and stricter hygiene rules should be reintroduced in the workplace.”

FNV vice-chairman Kitty Jong does not see the opportunity to register either. “In a consultation with the minister, trade unions – but also employer parties at the table – have spoken out almost unanimously against registration on an individual basis.”

employers

De Jonge’s plan is better received by employers’ organisations. For some time now, VNO-NCW and MKB-Nederland have found it inconsistent that entrepreneurs should ask their customers whether they have been pricked, tested or cured, but are not allowed to do this with their staff. “At least give entrepreneurs the opportunity to be able to do this if the need exists, especially in those sectors where it must also be asked of customers,” according to the employer’s clubs. “It is good that the government has indicated that it wants to investigate this.”

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