Netherlands: Unionized transport workers plan strike action nationwide Sept. 10-12 /update 1

Unionized public transport workers affiliated with the Federation of Dutch Trade Unions (FNV) plan nationwide strikes Sept. 10-12. The purpose of the action is to earlier retirement ages for members. The industrial action will impact the following services:

• Sept. 10: Urban transport in major cities, including Amsterdam (the GVB network), Rotterdam (RET network), and The Hague (the HTM network)

• Sept. 11: NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) national railway network, from 04:00-08:00

• Sept 12: Regional transport services nationwide.

Unless averted, the labor action will likely cause disruptions to modes of public transportation. Increased demand for alternative modes of transportation is likely. Strike participants may hold demonstrations, especially near transportation hubs, government buildings, public squares, and city centers. Authorities may monitor any such gatherings that materialize and may move to disperse overly disruptive crowds.