Most NS trains to run on normal schedule on Monday after planned strike is canceled

NS trains will mostly run by the normal schedule on Monday, despite previous plans for a workers strike. It was confirmed by the unions CNV and VVMC that the planned strikes are called off as they did not register the strike before the deadline at noon on Friday. There is usually a registration period limit of 36 hours prior to a strike beginning, but other rules apply when there is a weekend between the dates.

The NS had already altered their schedule for Monday due to the threat of strikes. “Now that the strikes are canceled, these changes will be undone quickly where possible. We advise passengers throughout the country to expect busier trains and an altered schedule.” Passengers are advised to check the NS Travel Planner before leaving their homes.

NS workers went on strike for the third in a week on Friday out of displeasure at the breakdown in collective labor agreement negotiations. The railway company made an offer with a higher salary on Friday, but the unions were not pleased with the offer.

They stated in response that the unions do not only want higher salaries but also better working conditions. They will now discuss internally whether to continue with the strikes or if they see enough indication to resume negotiations with the NS.

There are no NS trains in the provinces of Groningen, Friesland, Drenthe, Overijssel, Flevoland, Zeeland, Noord-Brabant, Limburg, and a part of Gelderland on Friday due to a strike. Regional strikes on Tuesday and Friday, June 6, resulted in no trains running throughout the country. The NS are expecting normal services to resume on Saturday and through the weekend.

NS raised their offer for a wage increase to 3.25 from 2.55 percent. “With this, the employer is only showing a willingness to correct the inflation. For us, it is not just about wages, but also about good agreements on working conditions," VVMC director Wim Eilert responded.

The VVMC, which is the largest union for NS workers, wants older employees with heavy jobs to be able to retire from their jobs at an earlier stage.