Train traffic across almost all of the Netherlands is expected to be impossible on Friday due to a strike by Dutch Railways (NS) personnel. The strike, incited by unions VVMC and FNV Spoor, will center in the country’s central region.

An NS spokesperson stated that the strike’s impact will be widespread, as “virtually all trains run through Utrecht,” where many coordinating departments are also located.

The strike is the result of failed negotiations between the railway unions and NS management regarding a new collective labor agreement (CAO). The unions deemed the NS management’s offer too low, leading to the breakdown of talks last month.

The rail company has proposed a wage increase of 5.75 percent over 27 months (from March 1, 2025, to June 1, 2027), equating to an annual increase of 2.55 percent.

Both VVMC and FNV Spoor are strongly opposing the offer, fearing a loss of purchasing power for NS personnel. The unions are demanding wage increases of 8 percent and 7 percent per year, respectively. They are also seeking improved conditions for employees engaged in heavy and irregular work.

The unions highlight discrepancies in benefits among NS employees, such as the age at which rolling stock personnel can leave the night shift compared to security personnel and mechanics.

The NS maintains that it is facing financial difficulties due to reduced ridership since the pandemic and rising costs. The company reported a loss of 141 million euros last year.

The unions have warned that Friday’s strike is the first in a series if the NS fails to meet their demands.