Public Transportation Strike in the Netherlands on June 24, 2026: What Do We Know and Who Will Be Affected?

Public transportation workers in the Netherlands are planning a nationwide strike on June 24, which could paralyze trains, buses, trams, and the subway. Find out what the unions are protesting, when the biggest disruptions are expected, and whether the strikes will continue

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Public transportation workers in the Netherlands have called a nationwide strike for June 24, 2026. The strike could significantly disrupt transportation across the country, affecting trains, buses, trams, and the subway. This was reported by NL TIMES.

The strike was called by branches of the FNV trade union. The most significant disruptions to transportation are expected at night, in the early morning, and during the morning rush hour, as workers will not report for duty until 8:00 a.m.

Read also: New train in Europe will connect six popular cities at once — prices and route.

Why they’re striking: government reforms that have angered the unions

The reason for the action is the government’s planned cuts to social security, which will affect several areas at once.

First, the retirement age. Currently, a full state pension in the Netherlands can be received starting at age 67, but starting in 2028, the age is planned to be raised to 67 years and 3 months, and it will continue to rise depending on life expectancy. The government has, however, announced a temporary freeze on the increase — but the union is demanding that this process be completely halted, not merely postponed.

Second, WW unemployment benefits. The government wants to reduce the maximum duration of benefits from two years to one year.

Third, disability benefits. There are plans to reduce benefits for people with partial or total disability.

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What the union says: “This is a last resort”

The FNV acknowledges that the action will cause inconvenience to passengers and makes no secret of the fact that a strike is not an easy decision.

“We fully understand that this action will cause inconvenience to passengers, and we regret that. We do not take strikes lightly — this is a last resort,” the union stated.

At the same time, the FNV emphasizes that they are fighting not only for the interests of transport workers, but for all citizens: “We are doing this not only for public transport workers, but for everyone. We must all be able to rely on a strong social safety net in our country”.

Support for the action among union members is extremely high: according to the FNV, 98% of those surveyed oppose the government’s plans, and over 85% are ready to strike.

First warning strike: what’s next?

The union explicitly called June 24 merely the first warning strike. If the government does not make concessions, the protests may continue — and likely on a larger scale and for a longer duration.

If you are planning a trip to the Netherlands or a transit through the country at the end of June, it is worth considering alternative routes in advance. Tickets for various modes of transport across Europe can be conveniently searched for and booked via the Visit Ukraine platform — all in one place and without any hassle.

We remind you! Kyiv is proposing a new diplomatic move — a mutual agreement with russia to refrain from attacks on aviation infrastructure, mediated by the EU. This pragmatic decision benefits both sides. Read about when the skies will open and the first flights will take off.

Photo: teksomolika / Freepik

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