Dutch public transport workers' collective bargaining talks stall

Negotiations on a new collective labour agreement for approximately 13,000 public‑transport employees in the Netherlands have broken down after seven bargaining rounds. Unions CNV and FNV wrote to the employers’ association VWOV saying there is no longer a basis to continue talks, citing proposals they say would reduce job security, increase work flexibility, raise workload and shorten roster‑change notice periods. CNV negotiator Niels Rook warned that the plan includes measures such as unpaid breaks and the ability to alter schedules with as little as four days’ notice.

Employers argue the offer on the table is fair and balanced. A VWOV spokesperson stated, “In our view a fair proposal is now on the table that respects both staff interests and sector challenges.” Unions plan to hold meetings with their members after the summer to discuss possible actions, though no strike has been confirmed yet. The disputed agreement would cover workers at operators including Arriva, Transdev, Keolis Nederland, Qbuzz, EBS and RET Streekvervoer.