ProRail traffic controllers will go on strike next week due to stalled collective labor agreement negotiations. On Wednesday, November 13, there will be a strike at the traffic control posts in Amsterdam and Alkmaar. The Zaanlijn is therefore directly affected.
The precise impact on the timetable is not yet known, according to the NS, but the rail carrier does report that the strikes will cause ‘inconvenience’ and recommends that you first consult the travel planner.
The FNV reports that it is expected that trains will temporarily not run on the routes where there is a strike. The strikes are from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., which could mean that trains are canceled especially in the morning.
Trajectories
The first strike will be on Monday afternoon, November 11, at the Kijfhoek freight yard (between Barendrecht and Zwijndrecht). The inconvenience for travelers is only expected from Wednesday 13 November. After the actions of the 13th, there are strikes on four other routes in the Netherlands:
- Friday, November 15: ProRail Utrecht and Amersfoort
- Monday November 18: ProRail Rotterdam, The Hague and Roosendaal
- Wednesday, November 20: ProRail Eindhoven and Maastricht
- Friday, November 22: ProRail Zwolle, Groningen and Arnhem
Inflation spike
Trade union FNV has announced the strikes after collective labor agreement talks between the union and management have stalled: ‘ProRail does not want to continue discussions and has submitted a final offer that is unacceptable to the members of FNV.’
The FNV wants a wage increase of 13 percent, ‘that sounds like a huge percentage, but the previous collective labor agreement was concluded just before a huge inflation peak. And that peak must be corrected.’
By Piet Bakker based on NS mail and NS websiteProRail and trade union FNV. Photo: The Hurricane.
Train Strike Shenanigans: ProRail Controllers Take the Day Off!
Well, well, well! Get ready to dust off your walking shoes, because ProRail traffic controllers have decided to take a little unscheduled holiday next week! In a move reminiscent of a toddler throwing a tantrum over a toy, they’ll be striking due to stalled collective labor agreement negotiations. And what’s the first stop on this unfortunate journey? The traffic control posts in Amsterdam and Alkmaar. Buckle up, folks; the Zaanlijn is about to hit the turmoil express!
The Expected Chaos
Now, the impact on the train timetable is as clear as mud at the moment. According to our ever-so-reliable friends at NS (that’s the Dutch rail company, for those who aren’t fluent in acronyms), they don’t yet know how extensive the disruption will be. It’s a bit like peering into a crystal ball—only less reliable and far more inconvenient! The only advice they can muster is to check your travel planner. Because nothing screams ‘well-organized transport’ like having your travel plans suspended in mystery!
Meanwhile, the FNV union has dropped a bombshell, straightforwardly predicting that trains will stop running on the affected routes during the strike. Good luck commuting anywhere between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. on November 13—unless, of course, you enjoy the artistry of walking in the brisk morning air!
Tracking the Strikes
And just in case you thought this was a one-off event, ProRail has more shenanigans lined up! The inaugural strike kicks off on Monday afternoon, November 11, at the Kijfhoek freight yard (you know, that lovely spot between Barendrecht and Zwijndrecht.) But the real spoiling of fun will begin on Wednesday the 13th, affecting train services in a meaningful way. Here’s a handy dandy list of dates that will undoubtedly ruin your plans:
- Friday, November 15: ProRail Utrecht and Amersfoort
- Monday, November 18: ProRail Rotterdam, The Hague, and Roosendaal
- Wednesday, November 20: ProRail Eindhoven and Maastricht
- Friday, November 22: ProRail Zwolle, Groningen, and Arnhem
The Lowdown on Labor Talks
Now, you might be wondering why all the fuss? The FNV union has decided to flex its muscles after negotiations hit a brick wall. They claim ProRail has thrown out a “final offer” that’s about as appealing as a soggy sandwich. And what are they after? A wage increase of 13%—yes, you heard me right, thirteen whole percent! It sounds like a chunk out of your wallet, but here’s the kicker: The previous collective labor agreement was sealed before inflation decided to take off like a rocket. So, the union’s argument is that this increase is simply a necessary correction. Kind of like fixing a leaky faucet before you flood the bathroom, wouldn’t you say?
As the strikes loom, commuters are bound to feel the heat. Remember, folks: with great power comes great responsibility. And by ‘power,’ I mean standing on the platform staring at an empty track, pondering life choices while your train is nowhere in sight.
For more updates, keep an eye on the NS website and check in with the FNV union.
ProRail traffic controllers are set to strike next week, stemming from stalled negotiations over a collective labor agreement. The work stoppage will notably occur on Wednesday, November 13, at traffic control posts located in both Amsterdam and Alkmaar, which will directly impact services on the Zaanlijn.
The NS (Dutch Railways) has indicated that while the exact disruptions to the timetable remain unclear, travelers should anticipate significant ‘inconvenience.’ They advise passengers to check the travel planner before making any plans.
The FNV union has warned that on the days when strikes are scheduled, trains are likely not to operate on the affected routes. These strikes will occur between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., meaning that morning commuters may face widespread cancellations.
Trajectories
The initial strike action will commence on Monday afternoon, November 11, at the Kijfhoek freight yard, located between Barendrecht and Zwijndrecht. The expected disruption to traveler services is projected to begin on Wednesday, November 13. Following the strike on the 13th, additional strikes are planned across four other routes in the Netherlands:
- Friday, November 15: ProRail Utrecht and Amersfoort
- Monday, November 18: ProRail Rotterdam, The Hague, and Roosendaal
- Wednesday, November 20: ProRail Eindhoven and Maastricht
- Friday, November 22: ProRail Zwolle, Groningen, and Arnhem
Inflation Spike
The trade union FNV made the decision to strike following a deadlock in collective labor agreement discussions with management. A representative stated, ‘ProRail does not want to continue discussions and has submitted a final offer that is unacceptable to the members of FNV.’
The FNV is demanding a wage increase of 13 percent. While this figure may seem excessive, it is rooted in the fact that the previous agreement was established just prior to a significant spike in inflation, necessitating a corrective response to safeguard workers’ purchasing power.
By Piet Bakker based on NS mail and NS website ProRail and trade union FNV. Photo: The Hurricane.
**Interview: ProRail Traffic Controllers Strike – What It Means for Travelers**
**Interviewer**: Welcome, everyone! Today, we have a special guest, Anna Jansen, a representative from the FNV union, to discuss the upcoming strikes by ProRail traffic controllers. Thank you for joining us, Anna.
**Anna Jansen**: Thank you for having me!
**Interviewer**: Let’s dive into the details. ProRail traffic controllers are set to strike next week, starting on November 13. Can you explain why the union has decided to take this action?
**Anna Jansen**: Absolutely. The strike is a result of stalled collective labor agreement negotiations. We believe that our members deserve a wage increase of 13% to keep up with rising inflation and the increasing cost of living. Unfortunately, ProRail’s final offer was not acceptable to our members, prompting us to take this step.
**Interviewer**: That sounds quite serious. What can commuters expect in terms of service disruptions during the strike?
**Anna Jansen**: Commuters should be prepared for significant inconvenience. We expect that trains will not operate on routes affected during the strike, particularly from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., which is prime commuting time. This includes disruptions on the Zaanlijn in Amsterdam and Alkmaar.
**Interviewer**: Besides November 13, what other dates should travelers be aware of for potential strikes?
**Anna Jansen**: The strikes will extend beyond November 13. We have planned further actions on November 15, 18, 20, and 22 across multiple routes in the Netherlands, including Utrecht, Rotterdam, Eindhoven, and Groningen. Each of these will likely impact services significantly.
**Interviewer**: It seems like a thorough plan. How can travelers stay informed about the latest developments regarding the strikes and their train schedules?
**Anna Jansen**: We encourage all travelers to frequently check the NS website and their travel planners for real-time updates on train schedules. It will be crucial for them to stay informed to avoid any unexpected issues on their travel days.
**Interviewer**: What message would you like to convey to both ProRail management and the public regarding this strike action?
**Anna Jansen**: To ProRail management, we hope they reconsider their stance and engage in meaningful negotiations to meet the needs of their workers. To the public, we ask for understanding and patience as we navigate this situation. Our aim is to reach a fair agreement that acknowledges the contributions of traffic controllers in safely managing our rail networks.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Anna. We appreciate your insights today and hope for a swift resolution.
**Anna Jansen**: Thank you for having me.
