'Pity Ton Heerts leave, he was straightforward'

"He has managed the FNV, which was in great danger when he took office to put back on the map. That is a great achievement," according to a joint statement. "Employers attach great importance to good dialogue partner in the socio-economic field. VNO-NCW and MKB-Netherlands hope that the successor Ton Heerts who also rely line."

'Straightforward'

Maurice Limmen, chairman of the CNV, having the 'competitor' of the FNV says fond memories of working with Heerts. "You know what you got to him, he is straightforward. I like that. It's unfortunate that he leaves."

Limmen is not surprised Heerts' early departure. "Heerts wanted some doing business within FNV, which he got for each other. Especially the social agreement was a spearhead of Heerts."

"Was it coming '

Reinier Castelein, president of fellow trade union De Unie, is not surprised. "The departure of Heerts was on its way already. I heard it before. In the corridors I look forward to the new president. I hope with the one to build up a good rapport so that we the new economy can together to attack."

Asscher Minister of Social Affairs and Employment calls Heerts "a class act". "I liked him a little longer, because I think he did pretty. But you can not deny people the right after four years to do something else."

NOS.nl/ © Reuters