The strike by the NS staff has surprised some travelers at Amsterdam Central Station. International travelers, among others, were surprised to see all trains cancelled.
The tranquility on Stationsplein on a normally busy Monday morning was unique. It was clear that many travelers had done their homework and were aware of the strike. Yet there was also disappointment on and around the station. “I knew it, but it said it would drive at nine past eight,” says one traveler. “It was canceled at the last minute. Very annoying. I gambled and lost, unfortunately. I’ll try again tomorrow.”
To demand
There is a strike because of the failed collective labor agreement negotiations between the trade unions and the NS. NS staff wants to earn at least 14 euros per hour and that better work schedules are created, so that there is less work pressure. “The NS employees are on strike with a heavy heart, let me put that first,” said FNV rail negotiator Henry Janssen. “They also strike in the interest of passengers. We see that NS has stripped itself to the bone, squeezed to the skin. Trains are canceled because there are too few people. to keep it in and get it in.”
Concept
Passengers also understand the action of the train staff. “It is a bit annoying that the trains can’t run, but I do believe them and they feel that they would like to get extra money,” says a man in front of the station. Another adds: “I’m French, so I’m used to it. I can’t say I’m happy with it, but maybe they have their reasons. So be it.”
The actions are not over yet. Tomorrow there will be a strike in the central Netherlands and on Wednesday in the east and south of the country. If you have to travel from the city to one of those regions, it is advised to postpone the trip or choose other transport.