Dutch cleaners announce new nationwide strike actions

Cleaning personnel will walk out from Friday to Wednesday at railway stations, Schiphol Airport, and universities across the Netherlands.

Driving the news: Trade union FNV called the walkouts after more than 80 percent of its voting members rejected an industry-wide collective labour agreement settled without their involvement.

The details:

• Work stoppages will hit Nederlandse Spoorwegen (Dutch Railways) stations, Schiphol Airport, and higher education facilities.
• Industrial action spans Friday through Wednesday, alongside a major nationwide demonstration scheduled for Tuesday.
• A similar strike round last month drew hundreds of cleaners and caused minor disruption beyond full trash bins.

Behind the dispute: Employers association Schoonmakend Nederland agreed to terms with rival union CNV starting 1 July 2026, which employers refuse to renegotiate. That contract offers a 6.1 percent wage increase over two years and travel allowances for 85,000 previously excluded staff across the 120,000-worker sector.

What they want: FNV is seeking larger wage rises, full inflation compensation, sick-pay protections without financial penalties, and allowances matching those in the hotel branch.

State of play: FNV official Caroline Lamberts said worker willingness to strike remains high, adding that employers have not reached out to restart discussions.

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