Overview
- FNV said train, bus, tram and metro staff will not start work until 08:00 on Wednesday 24 June, leaving early-morning services across the Netherlands at a standstill.
- The action protests a government reform package that would change AOW (state old-age pension), shorten WW unemployment benefits and tighten WIA disability cover, measures unions say force people to work longer and cut protections.
- The unions FNV, CNV and VCP set an ultimatum that expires at midnight on 25 May and say the 24 June stoppage follows if the plans are not withdrawn.
- FNV transport leader Edwin Kuiper called the measure an 'extreme last resort' and warned that, if nothing changes after the summer, the unions will escalate to larger actions.
- Commuters can expect significant morning disruption and the strike raises political stakes for the cabinet by turning public attention to social-security cuts and increasing the chance of wider industrial action this year.