A nationwide public transport strike has caused major disruption across the Netherlands today, Wednesday 9 September, with virtually no trains running and many bus and tram services also cancelled.
The 24-hour strike has been organised by trade union FNV in protest against planned government cuts and reforms to the Dutch social security system, particularly unemployment benefit (WW) and disability benefit (WIA).
NS confirmed that no regular trains are operating across the country today. The main exception is the Airport Sprinter between Amsterdam Central Station, Schiphol Airport and Hoofddorp, which is running four times per hour. International rail services within the Netherlands have also been affected.
Regional and city public transport is more mixed. Bus, tram and other public transport employees can individually decide whether to participate in the strike, meaning that some services are running while others have been cancelled. Travellers are advised to check with their local transport operator before travelling.
FNV says the action is directed at the national government rather than public transport companies or passengers. The union argues that proposed changes to WW and WIA would weaken social protection for workers who become unemployed or are no longer able to work because of illness or disability.
According to FNV, around 70 percent of the government’s originally planned social security savings remain despite recent political negotiations. The union says further industrial action is planned in other sectors during September.
Despite the lack of trains, the morning rush hour on Dutch roads was reportedly relatively normal, while car-sharing platforms reported increased demand.
NS expects the normal train timetable to resume on Thursday 10 September, although passengers are advised to check journey information before travelling.
Source: NS, NOS and FNV
https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/calamities/public-transport-strike-today-no-trains-all-day.html
https://nos.nl/liveblog/2630257
https://www.fnv.nl/nieuwsbericht/sectornieuws/vervoer/2026/09/bezuinigingen-niet-van-tafel-ov-staking-gaat-door