Disruption across Dutch train stations and carriages remains limited despite an ongoing week-long cleaner strike, according to national railway operator NS. Although travelers may notice dirtier areas, officials report no major operational issues so far.
FNV union calls for week-long strike over collective agreement
Trade union FNV called on cleaning personnel to strike for the entire week. The walkout protests a collective labor agreement (CAO) signed between employer organization Schoonmakend Nederland and rival union CNV. The strike targets major public transport hubs, including railway stations and Schiphol Airport.
Emergency cleaning agreements protect train operations
Because NS hires cleaners through third-party contractors, it is not a direct party to the labor dispute. However, NS reached agreement with FNV on minimum essential cleaning tasks to prevent service disruptions. Meanwhile, NS urges passengers to carry their trash off trains and dispose of it outside stations.
Union plans protest in Utrecht to force contract talks
Alongside the five-day strike, FNV expects around 500 cleaners to demonstrate outside the headquarters of cleaning company Asito in Utrecht on Thursday. Union leader Caroline Lamberts stated the protest aims to reopen contract negotiations, warning that further actions targeting other cleaning firms could follow. FNV chairman Hans Spekman is scheduled to address the striking workers during Thursday’s rally.
@ anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
