Port workers across the Netherlands plan to stage a strike on Friday 4 September 2026. Trade unions FNV and CNV have called on workers in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Zeeland to stop all ship-handling tasks between 11:15 and 19:00.
The stoppage is part of a broader campaign by Dutch labour unions against proposed changes and spending cuts targeting the national social security system.
Expected disruption to freight operations
FNV stated that no vessels will be handled during the strike window. Affected tasks include loading, unloading, securing cargo, towing operations and official cargo inspections.
Operational delays may extend beyond the official strike window as terminals clear backlogs. Freight impacts could involve altered vessel schedules, delayed container availability, and knock-on effects for road, rail and inland barge connections.
Additional vessel rules in Rotterdam
The strike coincides with the World Port Days event in Rotterdam, running from 4 to 6 September. The Port of Rotterdam has set separate local shipping rules on sections of the Nieuwe Maas on 4 September to accommodate event traffic.
Businesses moving goods through the three port areas have been advised to arrange extra transit time and check carrier schedules ahead of the work stoppage.
![Top [count] Travel Blogs to Follow - OnToplist.com](https://www.ontoplist.com/images/ontoplist31.png?id=6a8dcf108f478)