The Dutch railway strikes are far from over. Now, the NS is cancelling all trains on days they previously said only “certain regions would be affected” — unless the parties come to an agreement before that time.
That means no trains at all on September 9, 13, and 15, writes the NOS. The reason behind the change in strategy is that the company considers it impossible to ensure a reliable timetable if certain regions are out of business.
So, either pray to the train gods that the unions figure out a solution within the next few days, or get ready for (even) more days working from home… 🤦♀️
Signs of progress, but strikes are still on
The NS recently presented a new agreement, including promises of higher wages. This shows, according to the unions, important signs of progress in the negotiations.
NS has also given some attention to the sharp rise in workload the workers have suffered from in the past few months — another step in the right direction.
However, the perfect deal has not been agreed on yet (unstable inflation is among the topics needing more TLC), meaning the planned strikes are still on the agenda.
Frikandels, the deliciously Dutch franken-sausages, have had enough with trains hogging the spotlight and are now starting their own shortage.
According to De Telegraaf, Dutchies up and down the country are going bananas at the latest in the series of crises to hit the Netherlands: we’re running out of frikandels. 🤯
No — we’re not kidding! Everyone’s favourite fried minced-meat sausage is now a scarce commodity.
No hamstering allowed
And it’s not just avid consumers of the frikandel that are raging! Cafeteria owners recently found themselves in a pickle when they were only allowed a maximum of ten boxes of frikandels from their wholesalers.
And will that be enough to meet the demand for this Dutch delight? Nee.
Frikandel manufacturers are clamming up
When it comes to answering questions about the reasons for the sudden halt in frikandel production, manufacturers are staying more silent than mice in a Dutch restaurant.
That’s not to say hints haven’t been dropped! Things like software issues, insufficient labour, and problems with raw materials have all been suggested as possible reasons — yet wholesalers have not received a conclusive answer. 🙊
That’s alarmingly flippant about a snack that’s popular enough to inspire its own pop songs!
Roel Theelen, account manager of the wholesaler Bidfood, even took to Frituurwereld (yes, there’s a newspaper for owners of chippies!) to lambast the lack of transparency and communication by snack manufacturer Van Geloven.
He also pointed out that the company’s dominance in the snack food market left wholesalers and cafeterias vulnerable to any issues with production there may be.
The meat and potatoes of the Dutch fast food triangle
In terms of sales, frikandels, chips, and krokets make up the most sold items in a cafeteria — are we surprised? Again, nee.
In the same response to Frituurwereld, Theelen explains that frikandels are the backbone of the snack food industry and the main revenue model. Echt?? (Really??)
A lack of frikandels means that cafeterias would be left without one of their principal delicacies — a move that would no doubt create a dent in their earnings.
Supermarkets are riding the gravy train
A spokesperson for Albert Heijn was quick to respond to the crisis by reminding customers that there are plenty of frikandels available at their stores.
They also offered cafeterias the option of stocking up at the supermarket, rather than waiting for news from manufacturers. Although, given the current trends, perhaps this is a more expensive move for cafeteria owners.
So, how do you feel about the Netherlands’ latest crisis? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!
For now, we’re going to have to learn how to enjoy our own neighbourhood instead of going to random places (like the office) by train. Why? The NS finally made an offer to its workers — but the strikes will continue.
Despite the new wage offer from the national train service, the Federation of Dutch Trade Unions (FNV) announced that the strike will continue, RTL Nieuws reports.
It’s a start, but it’s not enough
The main reason for the continuing strikes is simple: there is no agreement yet. The Union (FNV) has turned down the NS’s offer and wants more compensation for railway workers due to the current record-breaking inflation.
On behalf of the FNV, Henri Janssen says that the first offer of the NS was a “first step” in restarting the negotiations.
The NS initially planned to increase wages by 2.5% for a one-and-a-half-year period, AD reports.
Of course, right now, however, the future is a bit uncertain. Inflation has never been so high in the Netherlands. Ever. And who’s to say it won’t get much worse?
Previously regional strikes have been announced, but according to the NS, they will now take place nationwide.
The NS has announced that should the Unions and NS fail to agree, this Friday, September 9, Tuesday, September 13, and Thursday, September 15, there will be no trains at all across the Netherlands, the NOS reports.
So if you were planning to take a day trip across the Netherlands by train to see all the beautiful things this country has to offer, sorry schat, these dates are not the best option.
This train is not planning to go anywhere. Image: Depositphotos
With students returning to school, it looks like this strike will affect even more people than before.
Thankfully most workplaces and schools are already quite used to remote work thanks to the pandemic, so we’ll survive it!
That being said, the entire country is hoping for an agreement soon so that people can train around once again in their beloved flat land.
Are you affected by the strike? What do you think of it? Let us know in the comments!
A lack of attention to working conditions in the baggage basement at Schiphol has had back-breaking circumstances for employees.
Ranked as the third-busiest airport in Europe, Schiphol transports a grand total of 71.1 million passengers a year, according to statistics in 2018. But what comes along with so many people? Lots and lots of bags! 💼
With over 53 million items of baggage making their way through the airport per year, and, with over 2,000 employees working in their so-called baggage basements, you might think the working conditions are well, workable.
According to the NOS, representatives at the Dutch airport are finally taking an interest in neglected working conditions.
This comes after employees in baggage handling proposed to strike earlier this year — which seems to have finally gotten their attention! 🤦♂️
Schiphol Airport has become notorious for its desire to keep costs low and competition high. This has led to difficulties with baggage handling companies, and problems with working conditions as a result.
There are currently five different baggage handling agencies in operation at Schipol, and each one is competing with the other to get the most cargo. It’s a bit of a free for all down there!
With so many bags, one might think that there would be lifts in operation to transport them. Well, according to the NOS, those lifts are, in fact, the backs of workers.
This is no surprise, seeing as though employees are regularly hefting around baggage weighing up to 23 kilos or more due to broken lifts and dodgy conveyor belts.
No check-ups!
To make matters even worse, there hasn’t been an inspection by the Dutch Labor Inspectorate in the past 12 years.
Schiphol Operations Director, Hanne Buis, said about the situation; “I feel that in my stomach and it’s terrible.”
As of now, Schiphol is going to take steps toward bettering the current harsh working conditions of workers, who are (literally) carrying all that baggage!
What do you think of the conditions at Schiphol? Tell us in the comments below!
In a country like the Netherlands — a land filled with bureaucracy — it probably comes as no surprise that digital tools to manage your form-filled life can come in VERY handy.
There are several digital tools that we would highly recommend you get while living here. Some are almost mandatory, given how often they are required for various aspects of life in the NL.
DigiD
If you managed to step foot inside the Netherlands without hearing or seeing the word DigiD, then I salute you, you have managed a miracle. A DigiD is essential to a bureaucratic and legal life in the Netherlands.
What does a DigiD do?
A DigiD is quite literally your identity — at least digitally that is. Imagine life on the Dutch web as being like a club-filled street on a Friday night. In order to get into the various fun clubs such as healthcare institution, educational institution and governmental institution, you’re going to have to show your ID.
This is where your DigiD comes in. It acts as a verified form of identification that allows you access to these many institutions and services — like the tax office. While you can sometimes get in with other forms of ID, it takes a lot more waiting, sweating and scrutiny than simply using your DigiD.
However, for many services (such as health insurance) a DigiD is necessary if you want to get yourself set up.
Where can you get a DigiD
Applying for a DigiD is quite easy. Simply head on over to the DigiD website and fill out the form given.
iDEAL
Let’s say you make it into the digital club and then head to the digital bar for a nice cool beer. You go to pay for your drink and you realise that they only take a specific form of payment. This payment is iDEAL, and you have no idea what that means. Fear not, allow us to explain.
What is iDEAL?
iDEAL is an online payment system that circumvents the need to have credit cards. So, if you’re shopping online you may find that when you go to pay, the only form of payment available is not with your credit or debit card, but instead iDEAL.
Credit cards are so last year (at least according to the Dutch). Image: Dylan Gillis/Unsplash
How can I use iDEAL?
In order to use iDEAL you must sign up with one of the 12 Dutch banks that have iDEAL functionality. Here is a handy list for you:
Once you have found the right banking for you, using iDEAL should be quick and easy!
Instead of putting in all your card information, you are taken directly to your online banking where you can transfer your money directly to the business. This means that when you decide to pay for something, all you have to do is press confirm and, voila, you have paid.
Let’s say that you are in a real-life club with some friends. One friend has been running back and forth between you and the bar all night, paying for all the luke-warm Heinekens. While you may be shocked by the generosity and wealth of such a friend, you are mistaken if you think they are actually paying for all the beers. In the morning, you may wake, check your phone, and realise that not only do you have a hangover, but you also have a Tikkie to pay.
What is Tikkie and how does it work?
Tikkie is a payment app that allows people to send payment requests via WhatsApp or QR code. You simply download the app, input the amount you want paid, and voila, you can send a payment request to anyone with Dutch banking. Those who receive the text will then be directed to their banking to pay the amount requested.
So don’t let your guard down, we all know that Dutchies can be scrupulous with money. You may find that you will actually be paying exactly what you owe, down to the very last cent.
InControl – creating digital forms for yourself
Need to manage your to-do list for the day? Or organise a much needed meet-up with some friends? Or maybe you need to impress the office with those mad organisational skills that you brought up in your interview?
There are many digital platforms and tools that help to make life in the Netherlands a little bit easier to manage. InControl (use this app) is one such tool to help you stay on top of life whether it be your personal, or professional one.
What is InControl?
InControl is a mobile app and website that helps you to organise your everyday tasks. Whether that be by creating your own checklist for the day, to creating an extensive form for your business. The app is extremely versatile with multiple form templates as well as the option to create your own digital form.
There are many things to bear in mind when integrating into Dutch society, not least of which is the many digital platforms to acquaint yourself with. Perhaps you can make yourself a nice little list to help yourself? (wink wink.)
Have you made use of the above tools? Which one do you find yourself using the most?
Starting January 1, 2023, the air passenger tax will increase by about €20. This means that instead of paying €7,95, you must soon pay a €28,58 tax per flight ticket.
The increase in flight tax was made in hopes of making flying less attractive, taking into account the social costs of travelling by plane (ex: noise and air pollution), reports the NOS.
Initially, the flight tax was introduced in January last year. However, this decision took place in the midst of the pandemic, and already-struggling airlines asked for the measure to be postponed.
The Dutch cabinet already decided that the flight tax would rise in the recent coalition agreement, though the increase was estimated to only be by €24.
Plans for sustainable air travel
On the bright side, even though you’ll be paying more each time you fly, it’s all part of the plan to make air travel more sustainable.
The flight tax increase is part of the greening agreements made by several government parties, writes De Telegraaf.
In addition, part of the proceeds will go towards making aviation a more environmentally-friendly practice. So, let’s all take this as a win for the environmentalists. ✊🏻 🌱
What do you think about the increase in flight tax? Tell us in the comments below!
Earlier this year, the Dutch minister for Climate and Energy, Rob Jetten, ordered all municipalities in the Netherlands to switch to a non-Russian gas supplier by October 1. This has now (kind of) been taken back.
For the municipalities that still haven’t found an alternative supplier to the former Gazprom, the new deadline is January 1, 2023, writes the NOS.
The reason behind the decision to ban Russian gas in the Netherlands was based on a wish to sanction Russia for its actions in Ukraine, by limiting large sources of income, such as the Russian company Gazprom.
"Groningen is also the EU’s largest onshore gas field, and has been increasingly regarded as a last reserve if Russian gas supplies dwindle to nought… It’s clearly a dangerous thing to do,” Vijlbrief said" #earthquake#energy#groningen#war#russiahttps://t.co/qpPWOxMNxl
Several Dutch officials have criticised this move, however. This is based on the fact that the Russian gas company Gazprom already lost access to its profits when the Dutch branch was taken over by Germany earlier this year, and given the new name SEFE.
Some claim that moving away from SEFE will force Dutch municipalities to look to the larger European market for alternatives — a market where Russian gas still flows as part of the mix.
I'll see your dumb politician and raise you the Dutch minister of energy (1/2)
he's forcing cities to cancel their Gazprom contracts
cities have to find new contracts which are 15x as expensive from other suppliers whose gas mix partially still consists of Russian gas…
— CRONK (follow for Dumbdicks WL spot) (@CryptoCronkite) September 3, 2022
Since gas prices have increased astronomically recently, this will likely mean more money going towards Russia, not less. However, Jetten stands by his decision to move away from SEFE, claiming that the company’s shares are still in the hands of Russians. Fair enough? 🤔
Now what?
Minister Jetten is now asking the EU for help. Is it ok to trade with SEFE aka (former) Gazprom, now? Does it make sense to keep sanctioning them?
Life in the Netherlands is getting more expensive. While wages are slightly increasing, they cannot keep up with the rising high inflation.
From expensive groceries to high energy bills, many residents are losing purchasing power. In August, inflation reached a record high of 12% in the Netherlands.
The main cause for this increase can find its root in the higher energy bills, and Russia’s chokehold on the gas supply in the EU.
As a result, other things, such as food and clothing, have become more expensive nowadays.
Last month, the average increase in wages was about 4%, according to AWVN, the largest employer’s association in the Netherland.
The good news is that wages will also be on the increase in the coming months, as per NU.nl.
The bad news is that the increase will most likely not be high enough to correct the effect of inflation on the economy. “These companies cannot afford that.” says an AWVN spokesperson.
“There is no question of a wage wave. […] There are many companies, especially SMEs, that cannot correct inflation through a significant wage increase. These companies cannot afford that.”
With high inflation comes high demand
Surprisingly, it may be a good thing for inflation to remain high. Let’s not forget that the Netherlands is also dealing with a huge staff shortage.
If the inflation rate remains the same, wages in many sectors will increase much faster in order to attract workers to low-staffed positions.
“The vast majority of companies make significant profits, and it is time for employees to take advantage of this. They are supplying purchasing power now that groceries and energy are becoming more expensive. It is time for considerable compensation,” says a spokesperson to NU.nl.
Has the rising inflation affected you in any way? Tell us about your experiences in the comments below! 👇
Good afternoon everyone! We’ve got some less-than-good news. Inflation in the Netherlands has never been so high; in August, it was 12%. Many people worry about how they will pay their bills in the upcoming months.
After a hot summer, a cold winter is coming! It’s strange to imagine in these high temperatures, but this month, turning on the heating was never so expensive.
Over the past few months, most of us have felt our buying power shrink. The same amount of money is worth less than it was a year ago when it comes to groceries, fuel — and basically all of life’s expenses.
Well, your feelings are now backed up by some less-than-lovely numbers released by the Statistics Authority.
The highest inflation — ever
Inflation in the Netherlands has been monitored by TheCentraal Bureau voor de Statistiek (CBS) since 1963. The highest record was in 1975, when inflation was 11.1%.
Now, according to the NOS, this record is about to break.
One of the main price drivers for the new record was energy, but we can also see wild prices when it comes to our groceries or housing costs.
More and more residents of the Netherlands are struggling with high prices. Image: Depositphotos
Shocking check-outs
We can see on a daily basis how we leave more and more money at the Appie, Dirk, and Jumbo. As of this August, your Dutch food haul is a casual 13.2% more expensive than a year ago.
Some products, such as fruits and vegetables (y’know, just the most important ones), are even rising above the average price increase.
Unless our bosses decide to up wages accordingly, it looks like slowly, it will be a privilege to have healthy meals or to be able to follow a specific diet (or stroopwafels for breakfast, for example.)
Winter is coming!
Filling our bellies aside, many people in the Netherlands also worry about how they will pay their bills when the weather grows colder.
“Gas, in particular, has become considerably more expensive, says economics editor Nik Wouters on the NOS Radio 1 Journaal. “That also causes electricity prices to rise.”
And what can we do about it?
There are many techniques for how people can try to save money on their bills. It looks like that in the upcoming months, these habits need to be expanded.
It seems like, for many of us, travelling, healthy meals or swimming in a heated swimming pool will feel luxurious with the current prices.
But if we look at the whole picture, these can look like minor problems when so many households in Europe don’t know how they will heat up their homes.
What does this all mean in the long run?
Behind these worrying numbers, an actual crisis could be looming. Factories mayconsider reducing or even shutting down production simply because the operational costs are too high.
That’s how inflation can hit the real economy, with not just our bills but also our jobs at stake. If you are a little bakery on the corner, with these energy prices, you need to ask for a crazy price for a piece of bread.
For now: keep it cool and have a cold (and cheap) shower!
How have you been affected by inflation in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below!
Despite dogged determination to escape death in the scrapyard, Amsterdam’s oldest houseboat, The Dogger, is set to be removed from the canal. ⛵️
The houseboat will disembark from its current home in the Prinsengracht, reports Het Parool.
Built in 1865, The Dogger was originally responsible for keeping Amsterdam’s breweries afloat by carrying water to them — before being moved to its current location in 1888.
Although intended to be taken out of the water every seven years, The Dogger’s keel has not touched land for 134 years. The rust on its exterior speaks of sad years of neglect. 🤕
Wat jammer!
Too high to pass under the low bridges that surround it, The Dogger cannot sail out of the Prinsengracht for repairs. This, according to owner Jeroen Elsen, renders it uninsurable.
In fact, all offers of insurance would bring conversations to a halt harder than a cargo ship in the Suez Canal when Elsen mentioned the boat being 157 years old! 👨🏼🦳
He also explains that if the 96 ton boat were to sink, it’d likely block the channel entirely. This would disrupt all traffic up and down the canal, and result in a huge liability for Elsen. Talk about being caught between a rock and a…errr, heavy place! ⚓️
To add insult to injury, some in the local community around the Prinsengracht have even labelled The Dogger an eyesore!
Thankfully, Elsen notes that many others see it as a beautiful boat, and will be sad to see it gone.
It seems the ship has sailed
The Dogger was actually saved from removal by public support once before. In 1996, the public rallied around the vessel after a radio message drummed up support for its salvation.
However, given the state of the boat, it doesn’t seem likely that this will happen a second time.
But don’t worry, history-lovers — archaeologically-important items from the vessel will be saved while it’s in the process of being dismantled.
A brief glimpse at a floating blast from the past!
Have you spotted The Dogger in your wanderings around Amsterdam? How do you feel about its removal? Tell us in the comments below!
