Unions are not insurers

A Dutch appeals court has criticised the activities of two trade unions in offering legal expenses insurance to members and their families for ƒ1 for up to ƒ10,000 worth of advice. Following a complaint by the association of insurers that the union’s activities constituted unfair competition, the court ruled they must apply for a licence and pay insurance tax. One of the unions has now set up a separate company to meet those demands.