The Wim Kok Tapes

08 February 2018 - 11:24

Dutch journalist Leonard Ornstein, commissioned by the IISH, made a series of interviews with Wim Kok in 2016 and 2017 about his time at the labour union movement, as a director at the Construction workers union NVV, and at the labour unions NVV and FNV.

Kok's own career starting as employee of the construction workers union and ending as chairman of the FNV will be discussed. During the interviews, the role of the labour union movement in the transition to decentralized wage formation and the social agreement of 1972, on social innovation and leveling, on social security and employment policy are discussed.

This is interpreted within the general political and social developments of the 1960s and 1970s and the consequences of this for the relationship with the other labour unions, with the employers and the Dutch government.

The entire interview consists of eight parts and lasts more than 16 hours. They are available for studying right here.

Interview 1

Interview with Wim Kok (in Dutch) about the important political and social developments in the 60s and 70s and the role and influence of the trade union movement. 1961-1980. 110 min.

Interview 2

Interview with Wim Kok (in Dutch) about his development of employee Bouwbond NVV as chairman of NVV. About the end of the guided wage policy and the failed social agreement of 1972. Special attention for the relationship with the Den Uyl Cabinet and its wage policy. 1965-1977. 146 min.

Interview 3

Interview with Wim Kok about the efforts of the trade union movement towards social innovation and leveling. Attention to the consequences of this for the relationship with the employers and with the other trade unions. 1968-1980. 117 min.

Interview 4

Interview with Wim Kok on the role of the trade union movement in the development and implementation of social security and employment policy. Attention to the consequences of this for the relationship with the social partners and the government and the special role of the SER. 1973-1985. 118 min

Interview 5

Interview with Wim Kok about the merger between NKV and NVV to FNV in 1976. The reasons for the merger are being discuss>d, as are the process itself and its consequences for members and the relationship with politicians. They also pay attention to the withdrawal of the CNV. 1970-1980. 124 min.