Moderation in Dutch unions' pay demands

The Netherlands' trade unions look set to keep their pay demands low next year.

The FNV, the largest union confederation, is proposing a 1.5% increase in pay, although this will have to be ratified by its federal council on 21 November.

The smaller CNV is looking for pay increases of 1.5% to 2.0%. This means increases are likely to be below the current 1.8% level of inflation (September).