Dutch unions confirm nationwide transit strike for 9 September over benefit cuts

Trade unions CNV and FNV will proceed with a full-day strike on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, after initial doubts over whether the industrial action would take place. The stoppage covers all staff in rail, regional, and municipal public transit, including train drivers, bus drivers, metro and tram operators, and conductors. In Amsterdam, ferry operators will also halt services, and the IJ-tunnel will remain closed to cyclists, pedestrians, and microcars.

Participation among transport workers is voluntary, meaning limited bus services may still operate in cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Leiden, Nijmegen, Zwolle, Gouda, Ede, and Hengelo. Commuters have been advised to work from home or arrange alternative travel using private vehicles, bicycles, or walking. Union leadership confirmed the action follows disputes over reductions to social security programmes, specifically the unemployment scheme (WW) and disability support (WIA).

We will not leave workers behind with stripped-down unemployment benefits or disability benefits. The unemployment benefit is still being halved and the disabled heavily cut. That is and remains unacceptable. So the actions will simply go ahead.