The Minister of Social Affairs and Employment, Aart Jan de Geus, and the chairman of the Hout- en Bouwbond CNV union, Arend van Wijngaarden, paid a working visit to Strukton Railinfra on Monday 28 August.

The minister was present at a track inspection on foot in Breukelen, which is one of Strukton Railinfra's maintenance areas. The track is inspected visually in this way almost every week for possible defects. These inspections entail considerable risks to safety. Although the train service is interrupted on the track concerned while the inspection is in progress, trains continue to run on the adjacent tracks, at speeds of up to 140 kilometres an hour.

Cees Negenman (on the right in the photo) of Strukton Railinfra explains to the minister how the inspection proceeds.

After the inspection, the minister talked with representatives of Strukton Railinfra management and personnel on new rules in the Working Conditions Act and Working Hours Act. The minister stressed that the new Working Hours Act now being debated in parliament gives employers and employees freedom to negotiate tailored agreements. The minister said that "It is a good thing for employers and employees to arrange the timing and location of the work together as much as possible.”

The minister spoke to James van Kraanen, a Strukton Railinfra worker and union chairman Arend van Wijngaarden about their experiences with the legislation in practice.

Arend van Wijngaarden was satisfied with the ministerial visit, and remarked that "It is pleasing that someone in such an important position comes to see and speak to the people that his decisions affect. If the minister amends anything in the Working Hours Act, the impact on these workers is enormous. He has now spoken to them directly and heard about the problems they face."

The minister started his working visit earlier the same day at Strukton Betonbouw.