“If NS does not come up with what better, we have to plan a new action day,” says Wim Eilert, director at VVMC trade union, at an empty station in Alkmaar. Together with FNV and CNV, his Bond campaigns on behalf of the approximately 17,500 NS employees. The three trade unions believe that the railway company offers too little. Their requirements are widely supported by the staff.
Thursday will be a crucial moment. Then NS CEO Wouter Koolmees comes with a final offer, says Eilert. “We are looking forward to that,” he says. “We are always willing to come and talk if that is worth it.”
Travelers the victim
Today is the fourth time in a short time that travelers cannot claim the trains. According to Eilert, it is not the intention to meet travelers, but he sees few alternatives. “We don’t do it to bully the traveler, we are not out of that. We have negotiated nine times, really a lot. Then we have no other choice and we are put by the NS with our back against the wall.”
Whether and when there is a strike, depends on the bid that will be on the table on Thursday. “If there is no rapprochement, we will plan a new date,” says Eilert. “When that will be, we are not over yet.”