All Dutch police stations to remain closed on Tuesday in early retirement protest

All police stations in the Netherlands will close for 24 hours on Tuesday, June 11, in a protest for a decent early retirement scheme for cops, the police unions announced on Friday. The police will remain available for emergencies.

“There is still no prospect of a good early retirement scheme for the police,” the unions said. Earlier actions “have not yet brought any movements in the negotiations.” The police unions are, therefore, scaling up their protests with this nationwide station closure.

Police unions launched an initial labor action last month over the early retirement issue. Officers stopped writing tickets for minor offenses, including cycling without lights and public urination.

Violators who were let off with a warning were also given a pamphlet explaining the reason for the police protest. In the first week alone, officers wrote 6,000 fewer tickets than a year ago. Police union ANPV warned that this would continue without a deal, and more severe demonstrations should be expected.

“Apparently, it takes a lot to convince employers and politicians that police work is hard work and that a decent early retirement scheme is, therefore, simply a sign of respect and appreciation,” the police union said last month.

In practice, Tuesday’s labor action means that citizens won’t be able to visit a police station to file a declaration, collect or certify documents, or for any other plannable reason. “Citizens will have to come back later for this,” the unions said. “Appointments scheduled for Tuesday, June 11, will be moved to another time.”

The emergency number 112 and information number 0900-8844 will remain operational during the closure. “The police employees of the relevant stations will also be active behind the closed front doors.”

Should this strike not lead to a decent early retirement scheme, the police unions will repeat the action the following week for another 24 hours. “Adding other actions will also be considered.”

The current Early Retirement Scheme (RVU) expires at the end of this year. The plan ensures that people who work physically demanding jobs, like the police, can retire earlier. They have a right to benefits to bridge the gap to the state pension age.