Dear traveller,
The FNV Spoor, VVMC and CNV unions have announced strikes for Friday 9 September. Although the strikes are regional, the total area covered is now larger, which means they affect trains and colleagues riding throughout the Netherlands. Having considered all available options and looking back at recent strikes, we see no way to run services responsibly, reliably and safely. Unfortunately, this means that there will be no NS services in the Netherlands on Friday 9 September NS sincerely regrets that travellers are forced to bear the brunt of the strikes. All the more so because NS presented the unions with a new offer last Tuesday and invited them back to talks. The unions have since accepted this invitation.
Collective bargaining
NS wants to arrive at a good collective bargaining agreement that will benefit its employees, who have seen the cost of living and their workload increase, and that will benefit NS, which still faces major challenges. You need all parties to come to the table to arrive at a CBA. NS made a move yesterday, inviting the unions for renewed talks. NS is disappointed that despite this gesture, the unions have decided to go ahead with the strike. Although the unions will not be cancelling the strike, NS believes it is important to resume talks. After all, it is in the best interest of our travelers and our colleagues to quickly come to a good CBA.
More actions next week
The unions have also announced industrial action for Tuesday 13 and Thursday 15 September. On Tuesday 13 September, several larger regions will be affected once more. On Thursday 15 September, industrial action is planned in the central Netherlands, the heart of our company. We expect that the regional strikes held on these days will once again have a major impact on NS services throughout the Netherlands.
We recommend rescheduling your trip for another day or arranging alternative transportation yourself. There will be no replacement buss services. We sincerely regret that travellers are forced to bear the brunt of the strikes.
Schiphol and International
The impact of the strikes on passengers travelling to and from Schiphol Airport and on international trains passing through the Netherlands is currently being investigated. More information will be announced as soon as possible.
We recommend checking Reisplanner or the NS-app shortly before you set our. More information will be available on September 8.