The public transport strike in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague on September 10 has ended. However, another strike will take place on Wednesday morning, this time involving NS-staff and regional transport workers. The strike is scheduled from 4 AM to 8 AM. In addition to the NS train service, th follwing regional transport providers will also be on strike from 4 Am to 8 AM: Transdev ( Connexxion, Hermes, Breng), Arriva, EBS, Keolis, and Qbuzz.
If you have to leave from Haarlem to Schiphol Airport early in the morning by public transport, be aware of the train and bus strike. Check 9292.nl and/or consider arranging a ride, or take a taxi or Uber.
The FNV union has announced several strikes during the week leading to Prinsjesdag, demanding a plan that allows public transport employees to retire earlier from physically demanding jobs. The current arrangement is set to expire at the end of 2025.
Other professions, including police officers and construction workers, are also protesting this week. Unions argue that collective labor agreement (CAO) parties should be able to define what constitutes a heavy profession. Additionally, they are calling for increased funding to provide these workers with higher pensions.
Schiphol Airport is concerned that Wednesday morning’s strike will cause major traffic congestion around the airport. According to their lawyer, the road network will reach maximum capacity as early as 4 AM when the strike begins. This was stated in court in Haarlem, where Schiphol and the municipality of Haarlemmermeer are demanding a minimal service schedule from the FNV union.
The airport’s lawyer emphasized that the strike coincides with a peak period for departing flights, incoming staff, and passengers. However the FNV union’s lawyer countered these concerns, noting that the strike is brief and was announced well in advance. He expects no significant traffic chaos, as the strike is planned during hours when there is typically little train traffic. Additionally regional busses will continue to operate, he added.
The court will issue a ruling on the case at 3 PM today.
Source: Nu.nl and HD
Update: The court has now issued a ruling. This means that during tomorrow’s strike, a minmal service schedule will be in place between Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam Central station. There will likely be four trains per hour running to and from the airport.