Strikes at ProRail
On Monday 11 November, the trade union FNV started taking strike action at ProRail’s traffic control centres because the negotiations about the collective labour agreement have ground to a halt. These actions are causing problems and delays for rail passengers from Wednesday 13 November onwards. Trains cannot run at traffic control centres where there is a strike. The track is not available to NS then. Although the employees have the right to strike, we understand very well how inconvenient this can be for our passengers. To get the most current travel information, plan your journey using the Journey Planner shortly before you depart.
Wednesday morning 13 November no or fewer trains until 9:00
The trade union FNV has announced a strike this coming Wednesday morning at the traffic control centres in Amsterdam and Alkmaar. The impact on the timetable is greater than the area where the strikes are. As a result, there are no trains until 09:00 in Noord-Holland and parts of Flevoland and Utrecht. For the rest of the morning, please allow for train delays and cancellations, because starting up the schedule takes time.
The impact area has been extended to the following routes. Fewer trains will run here:
- Utrecht Centraal and Eindhoven Centraal
- Utrecht Centraal and Arnhem Centraal
- Leiden Centraal and Rotterdam Centraal
A large number of trains usually run past Utrecht and Leiden. Due to the strike, these trains cannot continue their journey. That means they would have to turn around at Utrecht Centraal and Leiden Centraal stations, but there is no room for that. Therefore, NS is forced to run fewer trains on these routes as well. The rail map shows you where zero, limited or normal train traffic can be expected on each route.
Very limited access to Schiphol by train
The station at Schiphol Airport will be very difficult to reach by train during the strike on Wednesday morning. Four trains an hour run between Amsterdam Central Station and Schiphol Airport. We advise passengers to and from Schiphol to choose alternative transport if possible.
Modified international timetable
International rail passengers are also affected by this strike. There is a modified international timetable on Tuesday and Wednesday. For an overview and travel advice, please visit nsinternational.com.
Expectations for the coming two weeks
We expect that there will also be disruptions as the strikes affect rail passengers on the following days. We will provide information about the consequences as quickly as possible before the strikes start.
- Friday 15 November: ProRail Utrecht and Amersfoort
- Monday 18 November: ProRail Rotterdam, The Hague and Roosendaal
- Wednesday 20 November: ProRail Eindhoven and Maastricht
- Friday 22 November: ProRail Zwolle, Groningen and Arnhem
Frequently asked questions
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What’s the best way for me to prepare?
We understand that the strike action will create uncertainties, particularly if you travel regularly by train. Here are a few tips to help you prepare properly:
- Plan your journey using the Journey Planner shortly before you depart: we’ll make sure that you know in good time which trains are running and which aren’t. Planning your journey as shortly before departure as possible means you will get the most up-to-date travel information. The Journey Planner will be updated on Tuesday.
- Look for alternatives: if your route is affected by the strike, think about other options. You may be able to take a bus, travel earlier or later, or even work from home.
We’re doing our best to limit the disruption and provide proper assistance. We’re working hard to keep you up to date about the latest developments. If you have any questions or problems, we’re here to help you.
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What if I have to travel on Wednesday morning anyway and travel by alternative transport?
We understand that waiting for the trains to run again on Wednesday is not an option in some cases. You can therefore opt for alternative transport. As this is not an organised strike by NS staff, NS' strike regulations do not apply. This means that we unfortunately cannot reimburse the extra costs for alternative transport.
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I want to travel with NS Travel Assistance. Is that possible?
All previously booked trips from Wednesday morning 13 November have been cancelleddue to the strikes. The affected passengers have been informed accordingly. No alternative transport will be provided. Please also bear in mind delays and cancellations of trains for the rest of the morning as the timetable start-up takes time.
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My train was delayed during the strikes. What are my rights?
If your train was delayed as a result of the strikes, you can use our Refunds for Delays scheme.