There are hardly any trains in the west of the Netherlands on Friday morning. There are still a few intercity trains between the major cities, but a spokesperson for the NS advises against relying on them. “It can just be different once you’re on the platform.”
It is the second day of the strike by NS staff, who are campaigning for a better collective labor agreement. On Wednesday, employees already went on strike in the north of the Netherlands and next week it will be the turn of the central, eastern and southern Netherlands. The main requirement of the unions is that wages increase in line with inflation. The NS spokesperson cannot say what effect the strikes will have on the negotiations.
“We see that it is still quiet at the stations,” said the spokesman. “Travellers are well aware of the strike. But we expect that to change over the course of the day.” Because no buses can be used to absorb the cancellation, the NS advises travelers to use other transport or to postpone their journey.
The strikes will also be felt in the rest of the Netherlands, the spokesperson expects. “Many trains start or end in the west of the Netherlands. The timetable is so intertwined that trains in other regions can also break down sporadically.” Travelers in those regions have to take into account longer travel times or more frequent transfers.
Also read: The regional strikes by NS staff will have national consequences anyway
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