Public transport workers across the Netherlands will hold a 24-hour strike on Wednesday, September 9, causing widespread disruptions to travel nationwide.
The full-day action will stop service across rail, regional, and city transit networks, including national rail operator NS and local operators like GVB in Amsterdam.
Trade union FNV called the strike to protest proposed national cuts to social security programs and benefit systems.
Disruption to local travel
The strike means local commuting in Amsterdam will be severely limited, with city buses, trams, and metro lines expected to stop running for the entire day.
Regional buses connecting nearby towns to the capital will also be affected alongside regional train routes.
Union leadership acknowledged that a day-long shutdown causes significant disruption to passengers but argued that the impact of the proposed government cuts would be far longer-lasting.
Objections to social security cuts
FNV representatives stated that the cabinet’s current plans directly threaten the financial security of workers across multiple industries.
The union wants the government to completely abandon plans that include raising the state pension age faster, shortening the duration of unemployment benefits, and cutting disability support.
Representatives stressed that public transport staff rely on these basic social safety nets when facing unexpected illness, disability, or job loss.
Broader labor actions ahead
The announcement follows an earlier public transport strike in June, which lasted for four hours during the morning commute.
Union leaders had previously signaled that major labor actions would take place in early September without committing to exact dates.
Additional strikes are also being planned for other sectors, including ports, waste management, industrial cleaning, and the metal industry.
