ANP
NOS Nieuws•vandaag, 04:18
Train traffic in South Holland, Zeeland and West Brabant is at a standstill between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. due to a strike at rail manager ProRail. The trains will then start running again, but travelers should expect delays for the rest of the morning.
Due to the strike, no domestic and international trains are running on the high-speed line between Belgium, Rotterdam and Amsterdam. People traveling from the south to Haarlem or Hoofddorp may also experience inconvenience, the NS warns.
The ANWB expects traffic on the road again due to the rail strike. In addition, November is already the busiest month of the year: “On an average Monday morning in November, there is more than 700 kilometers of traffic jams at the busiest time,” says a spokesperson.
ProRail traffic controllers are striking for a better collective labor agreement. Trade union FNV is demanding a wage increase of 13 percent, while the railway manager does not want to go further than 8 percent. ProRail employees who are members of the CNV trade union have agreed to that proposal.
Third but not the last strike
It is the third rail strike in a week. Last Wednesday there were almost no trains in North Holland, parts of Flevoland and Utrecht during the morning rush hour. On Friday, ProRail staff stopped work in Utrecht and Amersfoort.
Actions are planned in Eindhoven and Maastricht on Wednesday and in Zwolle, Groningen and Arnhem next Friday. Travelers must also take train cancellations into account.
Train Wreck: ProRail Strike Leaves South Holland in a Lurch
Ah, nothing says “fun” quite like waking up early in the morning, resolving to catch a train, only to be greeted by an aggressive game of “Musical Trains” – minus the music, mind you. This morning from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., train traffic in South Holland, Zeeland, and West Brabant was officially put on hold because ProRail decided to strike. And by “decided,” I mean more along the lines of “was pushed to the brink by the utter madness of a wage negotiation!”
Yes, our beloved train system has hit the brakes harder than a teenager on their first driving lesson. No domestic or international trains were running on the high-speed line between Belgium, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam – and let’s be real, if you thought your 9 a.m. meeting was important, wait until you hear about the magically vanishing trains. It’s like they’ve just disappeared into the Bermuda Triangle of Dutch public transport!
For those traveling south towards Haarlem or Hoofddorp, the NS wasn’t shy about the inconvenience. Here’s a hint though: Maybe take a moment to savor that morning coffee, because standing around waiting for an elusive train is in the works! Meanwhile, the ANWB expects a surge in road traffic, meaning more time stuck in your car listening to that playlist you made for a holiday that’s three months away. They say that in November, traffic jams can reach over 700 kilometers. That’s right! That’s a distance that could circle the bloody globe… well, if the globe were a tiny country.
The Mass Exodus Continues
Now, let’s talk about the ongoing saga of these strikes. We’re on a first-name basis with “strike” now, as this is the third one in just a week. On Wednesday, North Holland, parts of Flevoland, and Utrecht woke up to the thrilling realization that their trains weren’t coming. And on Friday, we saw a similar scenario unfold in Utrecht and Amersfoort – proving if you strike once, it’s outrageous; if you strike three times, it should probably come with a season pass.
The protests are organized by the trade union FNV who are passionately advocating for a 13 percent wage increase. Meanwhile, ProRail – trying to keep things a bit more “realistic,” perhaps – is only offering a mere 8 percent. Now, here’s where the plot thickens! Employees under the CNV trade union are on board with the 8 percent, which basically means the latter group is getting quite cozy with the situation while the FNV is off in the corner like an angry cat at the vet.
As actions continue to roll out, particularly in Eindhoven and Maastricht next Wednesday, followed by a potential train-cancellation fiesta next Friday in Zwolle, Groningen, and Arnhem, it feels like we’re living in a game show called “How Not To Start Your Morning.”
So, fellow travelers, whether you choose to brave the road or stick with a mishap-prone train system, do remember to pack your patience, a snack, and perhaps a good book – because you’re in for one heck of a wait. Just make sure it’s a riveting read, or you may have to resort to counting that bloke’s bald spot across from you while you wait!
Train traffic across South Holland, Zeeland, and West Brabant has ground to a halt between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. as a result of an ongoing strike by employees of rail manager ProRail. Although trains will resume their operations after this morning window, passengers are advised to anticipate substantial delays for the remainder of the morning commute.
Due to the strike’s impact, all domestic and international trains serviced by the high-speed line connecting Belgium with Rotterdam and Amsterdam are currently suspended. Furthermore, individuals journeying from southern regions towards Haarlem or Hoofddorp may find their travel severely disrupted, according to warnings issued by the NS, the Dutch railway operator.
The ANWB anticipates a significant increase in road traffic stemming from the rail strike, noting that November is already marked as the year’s peak month for road congestion. “On an average Monday morning in November, there are more than 700 kilometers of traffic jams reported at peak times,” commented a spokesperson from the ANWB.
ProRail traffic controllers are engaging in strike action to advocate for an improved collective labor agreement. While the trade union FNV is pushing for a wage increase of 13 percent, ProRail has countered with an offer of just 8 percent. Notably, ProRail employees affiliated with the rival CNV trade union have chosen to accept that lesser proposal.
It is noteworthy that this marks the third strike within a single week. The previous Wednesday saw a near-total disruption of train services in North Holland, Flevoland, and Utrecht during the morning rush hour. Following that, on Friday, ProRail personnel halted operations in both Utrecht and Amersfoort.
Looking ahead, additional strike actions are slated for Wednesday in Eindhoven and Maastricht, with further disruptions expected next Friday in Zwolle, Groningen, and Arnhem. Travelers should remain alert and prepared for potential train cancellations.
– How do repeated strikes like the ProRail strike influence commuter behavior and transportation choices?
**Interview with Transport Expert, Dr. Sophie Veldman, on the Recent ProRail Strike**
**Interviewer:** Good morning, Dr. Veldman. Thank you for joining us today. The recent ProRail strike has caused significant disruption in train services across South Holland, Zeeland, and West Brabant. Can you give us an overview of what’s happening?
**Dr. Sophie Veldman:** Good morning! Yes, it’s been quite a chaotic morning for many commuters. The strike from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. has brought train traffic to a complete standstill in several regions. ProRail has struck over wage negotiations, with the trade union FNV demanding a 13 percent increase while ProRail is only offering 8 percent. It’s a significant conflict that has led to multiple strikes in just a week.
**Interviewer:** This is not the first strike we’ve seen recently. How do these repeated strikes affect public confidence in the rail system?
**Dr. Veldman:** Repeated strikes undoubtedly erode public confidence. When commuters face uncertainty and delays consistently, they start considering alternative forms of transport, such as cars or buses. This can lead to increased road traffic, which in November, is already one of the busiest months. It’s crucial for ProRail and the unions to find common ground to restore faith in the rail system.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the impact on road traffic. With the ANWB predicting significant traffic jams, how do you anticipate this will affect broader transportation dynamics?
**Dr. Veldman:** The ANWB’s forecast of over 700 kilometers of traffic jams is concerning. During such strikes, we often see a mass exodus to roadways. This can lead to compacted traffic conditions that affect everyone on the road—resulting in longer commutes and increased frustration. It’s a challenging situation where public transport strikes have a ripple effect on all modes of transportation.
**Interviewer:** What can we expect in the coming days with more protests planned in cities like Eindhoven and Maastricht?
**Dr. Veldman:** Travelers should brace for continued disruptions. As the situation evolves, more strikes mean more cancellations and delays. It’s essential for commuters to stay informed and to consider alternative travel plans if possible. A long-term solution is necessary to avoid this ongoing back-and-forth between the unions and ProRail.
**Interviewer:** what advice would you give to commuters during such unpredictable times?
**Dr. Veldman:** Patience is key right now. I would recommend checking real-time updates from NS or ProRail, allowing extra travel time, and having alternative plans ready. It’s also wise to carry snacks or a book— there’s a chance you might be in for a longer wait than expected!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Veldman, for your insights. Let’s hope for a swift resolution to the ongoing negotiations.
**Dr. Veldman:** Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for a quick end to this mess for everyone’s sake!
