NS needs more time to process damage claims from train strikes

The NS needs more time to handle the process claims submitted by passengers following this year’s strikes, a company spokesperson confirmed after reports by AD and NOS.

Thus far, passengers have submitted around 170,000 claims for compensation. The railway company told passengers four weeks ago that they needed another four weeks, but they will not reach this target.

In June 2025, NS rail workers launched four major strike actions amid tense collective labor negotiations, demanding higher wages and better working conditions. The action included a full nationwide shutdown on June 8, when virtually all NS trains were suspended, following an expanded walkout that began with regional disruptions in Zuid‑Holland and eventually spread across the Randstad.

The strikes ended in mid-July after the rail unions accepted an offer to return to negotiations with the rail operator, after the NS presented its final offer. This included a 4 percent salary increase in 2025 and a 2.75 percent bump in 2026. It was approved by the CNV labor union, but rejected by workers represented by unions FNV and VVMC.

A spokesperson for the company was unable to give a new timeframe for compensation. “We worked incredibly hard to get it done on time, but sadly, we were unsuccessful.”

Around 50,000 applications have been approved thus far, and these people will be given their money back within two weeks.

According to the NS, the number of requests for compensation is rising daily. “People can submit a claim up to three months after the last day of the strike. So while you're processing the ones already received, new ones keep coming in.”