NS employees are striking due to a disagreement between unions and management over a new collective labor agreement (cao), primarily concerning salary increases and improved conditions for employees with heavy and irregular work. Negotiations have stalled since May, with unions demanding significantly higher salary increases than the 5.75% offered by NS over 27 months.

The unions, VVMC and FNV Spoor, are seeking annual salary increases of 8% and 7% respectively. They are also advocating for better conditions for employees in demanding roles, aiming to reduce disparities in retirement ages and night shift allowances among different NS staff.

The strike, planned for Friday, will primarily affect the Central Netherlands region, including Utrecht, Amersfoort, Hoofddorp, and Gouda. Despite being limited to one region, the strike is expected to cause widespread disruption to train services across the country due to the region’s central location in the NS network.

Travelers’ organization Rover has criticized the unions’ decision to strike in such a crucial area, especially with Pentecost approaching. They suggest that there are less disruptive ways to pressure management, such as limiting the strike to a smaller region or part of the day. Rover reports receiving numerous calls from frustrated travelers who had planned trips and are now unable to travel.

Union representatives defend the strike, stating that their members are demanding action due to NS’s lack of movement in negotiations. They acknowledge the inconvenience to travelers but emphasize that the strike is aimed at NS management. The unions claim that a high percentage of NS employees are union members, indicating strong support for the strike.

A labor law professor at the University of Amsterdam views strikes as an inevitable part of labor negotiations. He argues that occasional strikes are necessary for unions to maintain their power and credibility. He also points out that rail unions in the Netherlands are relatively powerful compared to other sectors, with high membership rates and the ability to significantly disrupt train traffic. He notes that strikes are more frequent in other European countries, such as Belgium, Germany, and France.