Sick of hearing about expat integration exams and wild, code yellow weather? Here’s more welcome news instead: all planned rail strikes are now suspended. 🚂
Yesterday (June 18), the NS made a final offer to various trade unions, prompting them to suspend all strike activities planned for the coming weeks.
What does this mean for my commute?
The past two weeks may have had multiple nationwide strikes bring the Dutch rail service to its knees, but a much-needed respite is chugging down the tracks.
While the various trade unions involved discuss the NS’ latest offer, all train services are expected to continue as normal. In simple terms, that means no disruptions to your regular route. Hoera!
So now’s the perfect time to take that day trip to Groningen or Maastricht without worrying about your train leaving you stranded. 😉
Good to know: If your daily commute was affected by the strikes, there’s still time to file a delay refund request.
Does this mean there’ll be no more strikes?
Unfortunately, that’s hard to determine at this point.
In the words of NS CEO, Wouter Koolmees, the current offer has “sought a balance between what is necessary for [the NS’] colleagues, what is possible for the company, and what I can justify to our travellers.”
The trade unions involved will evaluate this offer with their members, and their voting process will determine whether this marks the end of the strikes (or not).
However, trade union CNV sounds hopeful, noting that the current offer contains “a number of improvements compared to previously made proposals.”
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