ProRail workers win 10 percent pay increase after lengthy negotiations, rail strikes
Employees of ProRail, the Dutch rail infrastructure manager, will see an average salary increase of 10.2 percent under a new labor agreement reached with unions FNV, CNV, and VHS. The deal, finalized after months of tense negotiations and strikes, impacts approximately 5,500 workers.
The collective labor agreement, covering 18 months from July 1, 2024, to January 1, 2026, includes staged pay raises, improvements in travel and irregularity allowances, and a one-time bonus. Union members must still approve the agreement, with a final decision expected by December 10.
ProRail employees will receive a 4.2 percent wage increase retroactive to July 1, 2024, with a minimum of 260 euro gross per month. Additional raises include 60 euro per month starting March 1, 2025, and 70 euro per month from September 1, 2025. A one-time bonus of 800 euro gross will also be paid. These figures apply to full-time contracts and are prorated for part-time workers.
Carl Kraijenoord, FNV’s lead negotiator, described the outcome as a victory for ProRail workers. “This result restores purchasing power for our members. It ensures they can continue to afford the necessities of life,” he said.
The agreement includes significant improvements to secondary benefits. The irregularity allowance will rise 5 percent retroactively from July 2024, followed by increases of 1.1 percent in March 2025 and 1.2 percent in September 2025. Travel reimbursement rates will increase from 0.22 percent to 0.23 percent per kilometer starting January 1, 2025, and the maximum reimbursable distance will expand from 70 to 120 kilometers per day.
“This agreement is about more than just percentages. It’s about creating better working conditions and fair compensation,” Kraijenoord said.
ProRail welcomed the deal, highlighting the resolution of disputes that had caused commuter disruptions during morning rush hours. "This agreement provides clarity and stability for both employees and the organization. It resolves past discussions on purchasing power and allows us to move forward,” the company stated.
The labor dispute had intensified earlier this year, with unions demanding a 13 percent wage increase, while ProRail initially offered just 5.2 percent. Strikes by ProRail staff led to nationwide delays, adding pressure to reach an agreement.
All three unions involved—FNV, CNV, and VHS—will present the agreement to their members for ratification. If approved, the new terms will retroactively apply from July 2024.
