Netherlands Public‑Transport Strike Halts Nationwide Services on June 24

On the morning of 24 June 2026 a coordinated public‑transport strike shut down trains, buses, trams and metros across the Netherlands from 04:00 to 08:00. The action was organised by the unions FNV, CNV and VCP to protest the cabinet’s plan to cut €6.5 billion from social‑security programmes, including reductions to the WW, WIA and an accelerated rise in the AOW retirement age. All NS trains were cancelled during the four‑hour window, leaving stations empty and causing severe disruption to the morning‑peak commute. After 08:00 services were gradually restored; most operators such as GVB, RET and HTM reported normal schedules by mid‑morning, though delays persisted and a heat‑related reduced‑double‑decker service was announced. The unions called the strike a “first warning” and warned of longer or 24‑hour actions after the summer if the cuts are not withdrawn. FNV also staged a symbolic police report branding the budget cuts as a €6.5 billion “theft”. Schiphol airport experienced limited train connections during the strike but expected normal service by midday.