FNV strike at ASML, DAF and Bosch over Dutch social security plan

The Dutch trade union FNV announced that workers at major industrial firms—including chip‑machine maker ASML, truck manufacturer DAF, Bosch in Tilburg and Nedri Spanstaal—will strike on Friday if the government does not fully withdraw its social‑security reform plans. The contested measures aim to accelerate the increase of the state pension age, cut unemployment benefits (WW) and tighten disability insurance (WIA). Minister of Social Affairs Hans Vijlbrief has already removed the pension‑age proposal, but the unions demand a complete reversal.

The strike will be part of a two‑hour demonstration in Eindhoven that had been postponed earlier because of heat and a red‑code alert. Earlier regional protests were held in Groningen, Rotterdam and Utrecht, and a nationwide work stoppage in public transport took place last Wednesday, leaving many trains idle. A spokesperson for ASML declined to comment on the planned action. FNV regional leader Ron van Baden said, "Large reorganisations… people realize how important social security is."