The Netherlands needs a decent salary increase after years of moderation, according to a group of economists.

The economists were speaking after a meeting in Germany about salaries, where German central bank governor Jens Weidmann said he wants pay raised by 3%, the Telegraaf reports.

The Dutch economists say this should also happen in the Netherlands.

Creative

‘We have already tried many other things, but nothing seems to increase consumption,’ Groningen economics professor Steven Brakman told the paper.

‘Perhaps it is time for something creative like wage increases,’ he said. ‘We need not worry about our competitive position because the Germans will be doing the same.’

Too low

According to economist Robin Fransman inflation and spending power are too low to make economic revival possible.

Trade unions and employers have been arguing for months about new pay and conditions agreements. Employers accuse the unions of obstinacy about a 3% rise; unions say workers deserve more spending power after so many thin years.