VVMC union warns of rising violence against railway staff

The railway workers' union VVMC has issued an urgent letter to politicians regarding the rising frequency and severity of violence against rail staff. According to data from NS, there were 5,088 reported incidents of aggression and violence in the first three quarters of 2026, following 6,442 reports in 2025 and 2,672 in 2023.

Incidents range from verbal abuse and spitting to physical assaults involving weapons, biting, and threats with knives. The union highlighted several severe cases, including a head conductor being knocked unconscious at Rotterdam Blaak station in February and another at Den Dolder station later that year. In August, an incident at Almere Centrum resulted in injuries to NS employees and police officers, including an employee who lost part of a thumb due to a bite.

The VVMC is calling for increased presence of Safety and Service officers (BOAs) with expanded powers. The union noted that since 2022, head conductors have lost certain enforcement powers, such as the ability to independently file official reports or access personal registration data. While body cameras were introduced this year, the union argues they do not compensate for the loss of authority. Additionally, concerns were raised regarding the Vechtdallijn between Emmen and Zwolle, where reports suggest aggressive fare evaders are not being fined.