Janitor's strike discussions ongoing

Cleaners have been on strike for two weeks, after several smaller actions before that. Employers' organization for cleaning companies, OSB, has invited trade unions for negotiations "to get out of the impasse." The main effect of the strike has been dirty trains. The OSB is calling this invitation attempt number one. "We would like to speak with the unions in all openness to find a solution", says negotiator Hans Simons. "I am convinced that a new collective labor agreement is up for grabs. It's possible for everyone to find an acceptable way out." The invitation is not going together with a new collective labor agreement offer. FNV Bondgenoten is demanding higher pay, and two paid sick days. The negotiations come after weeks of striking from cleaners, leaving companies such as the Dutch National Rail (NS) to ask its office staff to help keep trains clean.