Dutch Railways (NS) has increased its wage offer to employees, proposing a 3.25 percent raise for this year and an additional 2.75 percent increase starting March 1, 2026. This revised offer comes as the company seeks to resume negotiations and address the ongoing strike actions impacting travelers.

The new proposal follows recent disruptions caused by NS employee strikes, which brought train traffic to a standstill across the country on Friday and Tuesday of last week. Today, train services are again suspended in the north and south of the Netherlands, with disruptions elsewhere. The NS acknowledges the significant impact of these strikes, affecting approximately one million train journeys on an average workday.

Unions, however, remain unsatisfied with the offer, demanding higher wage increases and improved working conditions. The largest union in the railway sector, VVMC, is seeking an 8 percent wage increase, while the FNV is requesting 7 percent. The unions have yet to respond to the management’s latest proposal.

The NS contends that its wage offer roughly compensates for inflation, which De Nederlandsche Bank projects at 3 percent for the current year, with slightly lower rates expected in subsequent years. The unions are advocating for wage increases that surpass inflation to enhance employees’ purchasing power.

In addition to higher wages, the unions are also pushing for better working conditions, including earlier retirement options for employees engaged in physically demanding roles. Irregular working hours are a common challenge for NS employees.

The NS has reported losses for the past five consecutive years. According to the company’s annual report released this spring, without state intervention, significant ticket price increases may be necessary next year. President-Director Wouter Koolmees noted that while revenues are increasing, costs are rising at an even faster pace.

The company faces challenges including increased costs due to inflation and track usage fees. The NS also incurred substantial expenses last year due to the need to provide alternative transportation during track maintenance. Passenger kilometers remain 8 percent lower than pre-pandemic levels.