Dockworkers plan nationwide strike over social security reforms

Dockworkers across Dutch ports have announced a strike of at least five days in protest against government social security plans. The decision was made on Tuesday by around 700 workers following a meeting in the Port of Rotterdam, FNV Havens board member Asmae Hajjari said.

She said the workers voted unanimously to take action. “This sends a strong message from the port sector that these plans are unacceptable. Enough is enough. If the government pushes ahead with cuts, it will be met with resistance,” she said in a statement to ANP.

She said the strikes will affect all Dutch seaports, including Rotterdam, and expects port operations to largely grind to a halt during the walkouts.

The timing and duration of the strikes remain unclear for now. Hajjari said that decisions on whether the stoppages will be partial or full-day actions will be made in the weeks ahead.

Hajjari stressed that the Cabinet’s plans impact multiple industries and expressed hope that sectors like metalworking, construction, and healthcare will join in taking action.

Earlier this month, trade unions FNV, CNV, and VCP said they were preparing industrial action following initial talks with government officials, citing the Cabinet’s continued commitment to the proposed measures.

Negotiations have been put on hold until the plans are withdrawn entirely. A key point of contention is the proposal to speed up the rise in the state pension age, which unions say breaches the 2019 pension agreement. The Cabinet has since indicated that it intends to delay the plan.

The Cabinet also plans to reduce the duration of unemployment benefits and cut back on disability support. FNV Havens argues that these measures “directly erode workers’ income security and protections.”

The Port of Rotterdam Authority chose not to respond to the strike announcement, directing inquiries to Deltalinqs, the organization representing port businesses. Deltalinqs described the planned strikes as “disproportionate,” arguing that port companies are not involved in what it sees as a dispute between the government and unions. A spokesperson added that a protest in The Hague, rather than in the port, would be more fitting.