Train union VVMC halts rail strikes as contract talks with NS resume

The VVMC, the largest union representing train conductors and drivers at Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS), has suspended strike actions and expressed willingness to resume collective bargaining talks with the national railway company, the union announced Friday night following internal deliberations.

Earlier this week, a majority of VVMC members voted to reject NS’s final offer for a new collective labor agreement. The union formally communicated its rejection to NS during a meeting Thursday. “As far as we’re concerned, further talks will take place in the coming weeks,” VVMC stated. According to the union, NS has agreed to continue negotiations.

VVMC said it will use the coming month to assess whether NS makes sufficient concessions to justify restarting formal negotiations. “We are ready and want to make new, better agreements,” the union added.

The labor conflict has already resulted in four strike days since talks collapsed. During the first walkout in early June, NS was forced to cancel all train services nationwide. Days later, a strike in the Randstad region again led to a full national service shutdown. The remaining strikes had regional impacts.

After those disruptions, NS presented a revised offer, proposing a 4 percent wage increase effective March 1 of this year, followed by an additional 2.75 percent raise starting March 1, 2026. The company also pledged a one-time payment if inflation in the coming year exceeds expectations.

VVMC has been in negotiations with NS since January. “Our members deserve a good collective agreement, and it shouldn’t take much longer,” the union said.

Last week, VVMC rejected the revised offer and left open the possibility of further industrial action. FNV, another major union representing NS staff, also rejected the proposal and warned of more strikes if NS fails to present an improved offer for its more than 17,000 employees. In contrast, a majority of CNV members approved the deal.

A spokesperson for NS welcomed the renewed willingness to engage in dialogue, calling it “good news on a late Friday evening.” The company declined to comment on specific negotiation points, but emphasized the importance of restarting talks.