Cleaning Netherlands against introduction of 2G in workplace

Cleaners Netherlands strongly objects to the expansion of coronapas or the introduction of 2G in the workplace. The industry association has therefore sent a fire letter to the parliamentary committees that have an influence on the introduction of coronapas expansion.

At the letter states Schoonmakend Nederland generally supports the importance of ensuring a clean, healthy and safe working environment. However, it considers the introduction of 2G a bridge too far. ‘The compulsory use of the corona access card and also the choice of 2G in the relationship between employer and employee is very difficult to organise in our sector.’ This is partly because groups with low vaccination coverage are over-represented in the sector, the letter said.

Execution cleaning under pressure

Cleaners Netherlands estimates that between 15 and 25 per cent of its employees have not been vaccinated. As they logically cannot work from home, the widening of the corona certificate and the introduction of the 2G policy may put pressure on the performance of crucial occupations. If employees have to be tested daily, an impossible task arises that will lead to more (grey) absenteeism. The result is a higher workload for vaccinated colleagues. This negative effect must be avoided with the current labour market tightness, which is why the industry association proposes to exclude crucial professions from corona access.

Introduction results in different discussion

The letter also notes a possible changing attitude of principals. ‘We now see that in practice, in proper consultation with clients, a fine working form is found to guarantee the safe working environment even without application of the corona access certificate.’ Schoonmakend Nederland is concerned that the current situation may change to one in which pressure is increased on clients and employers to enforce application of the corona access certificate. This de facto shifts the focus of the vaccination discussion from the current political-social debate to the client-contractor relationship, where the battle over yes/no vaccination is fought. A negative effect our industry does not need.’