Cabinet threatens to ban morning and evening cleaning due to energy shortage

The cabinet is urging Schoonmakend Nederland and SieV to abolish cleaning in the (early) morning and evening hours. In the fire letter, it writes that a (temporary) ban may be declared and threatens to introduce additional tax levies. The reason is the impending energy shortage. The industry associations react as if bitten by a viper and show little understanding.

Understanding, but not a viable option

Schoonmakend Nederland reveals that daytime cleaning alone is not a viable option: “We obviously understand that measures are needed to curb the impending energy shortage. However, our sector employs many part-timers and students who have other concerns during the day. In view of the tight labour market, moving completely to daytime cleaning does not seem a viable option. We will call on our members to clean during daytime hours as much as possible, but we will not and cannot force them to do so. However, we have no influence on the government introducing additional tax levies.”

Cleaning is engine of the economy

SieV says it does not expect any endorsement from its members: “Within the SME segment, long days are made to earn a living. Cleaning in the morning and evening hours is an essential part of turnover within our segment. The government seems to forget that we are the engine of the economy. We will convey the call to our members, but do not expect huge support. Should it lead to a government ban or the imposition of additional taxes, we will not hesitate to take action against such nonsensical measures.”

See attached the letter From the Chamber President.