Public transport workers will strike on the morning of Wednesday 24 June to protest against government cuts to social security, the FNV union has announced. Rail, bus, tram, and metro staff will not start work until 08:00. The union states that the walkout will bring all public transport to a complete standstill during the early morning.
Unions have repeatedly threatened strikes if the government does not drop its plans. The FNV, the largest union in the Netherlands, previously identified mid-June for the walkout. On Wednesday, FNV strike leaders from the rail, city, and regional transport sectors met in Utrecht to finalise the details.
Proposed welfare cuts
The unions object to proposed cuts to the state pension (AOW), unemployment benefits (WW), and disability benefits (WIA). The government has agreed to freeze the state pension age for now, but unions demand a permanent withdrawal of the plan. Ministers also want to shorten unemployment benefits and reduce disability payouts. The FNV argues that these measures force people to work longer while reducing their financial security during sickness or unemployment.
The unions have issued an ultimatum to the government which expires at midnight on Monday 25 May. If ministers do not drop the plans by then, the strike on 24 June will go ahead as the first action, the FNV says. FNV Transport director Edwin Kuiper warns that larger strikes will follow after the summer if the situation does not change.
Kuiper calls the walkout a last resort but says members see no other option. He apologises for the disruption to passengers travelling to work, school, or appointments. However, he states that the government refuses to listen to the concerns of working people. Kuiper emphasises that the union is striking for all Dutch citizens who rely on good social security, not just transport workers.
In early March, the FNV, CNV, and VCP unions held a brief introductory meeting with the government. The talks ended quickly because the unions refuse to negotiate until ministers permanently scrap the social security cuts. The FNV has also threatened walkouts in the ports.
@ anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
