Rail unions FNV and VVMC have threatened a new strike on Tuesday, which would disrupt train service in the northwest and east of the Netherlands, including around Amsterdam and Schiphol Airport, according to Nu.nl. The unions plan to hold talks with Dutch Railways (NS) on Monday morning in a final attempt to reach a new labor contract agreement.
VVMC confirmed that the strike notice has already been formally sent to NS. “We see ourselves forced to retake action,” said VVMC chairman Wim Eilert. “The unions will talk with NS on Monday morning. Whether this affects the planned actions for Tuesday depends on the outcome of that meeting.”
An earlier strike scheduled for Monday was canceled, allowing trains to run according to the regular timetable. NS has advised passengers to check the travel planner before their journey.
In recent weeks, train workers have staged multiple strikes to press for a better collective labor agreement. Train service was limited on Friday, and there was no train traffic at all on Tuesday and on Friday, June 6.
NS has made an improved offer, raising its proposed wage increase from 2.55 to 3.25 percent for this year, with an additional 2.75 percent increase starting March 1, 2025. The unions, however, remain dissatisfied.
“This gives us absolutely no hope for a good outcome,” the FNV said earlier. “We are of course willing to talk with NS. But to reach a deal, NS really needs to come with more than what they’re offering now.” In addition to higher wages, the unions are also demanding better working conditions.