Thousands Join Dutch Transport Strike as Politicians Meet Workers

Several thousand public transport workers stopped working across the Netherlands on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

FNV provided the initial estimate. Members of other unions, including CNV, also joined the 24-hour nationwide strike.

The protest stopped almost all trains and severely affected buses, trams and metro services.

NS stations across the country were nearly empty on Wednesday morning. Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague had no regular city transport services.

Arriva attempted to operate some of its usual services. However, the company cancelled many buses because employees joined the strike.

The unions organised the action to protest against the Dutch government’s plans to cut social security spending.

The proposed changes affect unemployment benefits, disability support and state pensions.

The government has scrapped or postponed several measures. However, the unions want all remaining cuts withdrawn.

Similar protests are taking place at construction and metal companies. Port workers also held strikes earlier.

Several politicians visited striking drivers and other transport workers in The Hague.

D66 parliamentary leader Jan Paternotte and PRO leader Jesse Klaver spoke with the workers.

Paternotte said he was disappointed that the unions did not wait for the government’s Budget Day plans before striking.

“Watch for our plans to be released on Budget Day, then you can go on strike. But alright, it has happened today,” he said.

Klaver supported the workers and called for the planned social security cuts to be removed.

“The social security cuts need to be scrapped. It is currently at a standstill in The Hague, but I hope that the Cabinet chooses a direction,” Klaver said.

SP Member of Parliament Sandra Beckerman also addressed the workers.

“Only one solution is possible: strike strike strike!” she shouted.

Passenger organisation Rover supported the unions’ aim but criticised their decision to stop public transport.

Rover director Daan Zieren said the action had isolated vulnerable people who depended on buses and trains.

The organisation asked unions to find protest methods that would not remove transport from people who needed it.

The strike began at 2:00 a.m. on Wednesday and was scheduled to end at 2:00 a.m. on Thursday.