Netherlands: FNV union organizes “free public transportation” operation to send a message on the pension reform

The two biggest FNV unions, Abvakabo (civil servants) and FNV and Allies (manufacturing) wanted to raise the public’s awareness regarding the reform of retirement age, discussed on January 20 at the Parliament. The social partners should give an opinion in front of a Parliamentary committee on the extension of retirement age from 65 to 67 in 2020. The FNV, opposed to the project at first, finally came around in December (see our dispatch No. 091159). The union wanted to express its point of view outside rush hours, not blocking passengers with a usual strike. In Rotterdam and The Hague, public transportation firms agreed but the GVB in Amsterdam and GVU in Utrecht went to court on January 19 to prevent the operation. The judge thought that the trade unions’ problem wasn’t with employers but with the government and that it was therefore inappropriate to involve public transportation in their action. The FNV lodged an appeal to this verdict, which restricted its campaign to Rotterdam and Utrecht.
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

n Utrecht went to court on January 19 to prevent the operation. The judge thought that the trade unions’ problem wasn’t with employers but with the government and that it was therefore inappropriate to involve public transportation in their action. The FNV lodged an appeal to this verdict, which restricted its campaign to Rotterdam and Utrecht.

Planet Labor, January 21, 2010, No. 100057 – www.planetlabor.com

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
United Kingdom: Parliament finally passes Employment Rights Bill
The UK Labour government's flagship reform of employment rights was passed by both houses on 16 December after a turbulent parliamentary process. The bill introduces numerous changes to labour...
18 December 2025
EU: social partners in telecoms sign joint statement on AI
On 16 December, the social partners in Europe's telecommunications sector unveiled a joint statement on artificial intelligence. They propose an action plan for skills and commit to raising...
18 December 2025
EU: MEPs demand directive on algorithmic management
Members of the European Parliament have called for a directive on algorithmic management. Such legislation would introduce obligations for companies to inform employees, assess health and safety...
17 December 2025
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
2
Germany: apprenticeship openings fall sharply in manufacturing and chemicals
From 1 January 2026, Dutch collective agreements for temporary employment agencies will alter the employment conditions of temp workers. Agencies will be required to pay these workers at least the...