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ICNG trein staat stil op station Amsterdam Centraal met enkele reizigers op het perron

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. 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.

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Monday morning 18 November major disruptions in Zuid-Holland, Zeeland and West-Brabant

The trade union FNV has announced a strike on Monday morning, 18 November, at the traffic control centres in Rotterdam, Den Haag, and Roosendaal. As with previous strike days, the impact on the timetable is greater than the area where the strikes are. 

What does this mean for passengers on Monday morning, before 9:00?

  • No trains will run in Zuid-Holland, Zeeland, and West Brabant
  • No domestic and international trains will run on the high-speed line between Belgium, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam
  • Passengers travelling from the south to Haarlem and Hoofddorp will also be affected

From 9:00, the timetable will restart. Please allow for train delays and cancellations, as the timetable will take time to fully restart. Please note: due to works by ProRail, there will already be fewer trains running to, from, and via Schiphol Airport on Monday. The 18 November rail map shows where no trains, fewer trains, or normal services are running.

The Travel Planner is updated a day before each strike. Plan your journey shortly before departure for the most up-to-date travel information.

Plan your trip using the Travel Planner
Spoorkaart van 18 november waarop je per traject kunt zien waar geen, beperkt of normaal treinverkeer wordt verwacht tijdens de stakingen van ProRail.

Modified international timetable

International rail passengers are also affected by this strike. For an overview and travel advice, please visit nsinternational.com.

View international travel advice

Expectations for next week

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.

  • Wednesday 20 November: ProRail Eindhoven and Maastricht
  • Friday 22 November: ProRail Zwolle, Groningen and Arnhem

Frequently asked questions

  • 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.

  • Why is the impact on the timetable greater than the area where the strikes are?

    A strike at a traffic control centre affects not only the area where it takes place, but also other parts of the country. Our trains often travel through several regions. If a train cannot run because of the strike, it also impacts passengers in other regions. Additionally, trains cannot always turn around at stations like Utrecht Centraal, which can lead to further delays.

    Once the strike at a traffic control centre ends, we restart the timetable as quickly as possible. We also prepare as many trains as possible in the morning, so we can resume service in the afternoon as our passengers expect.

  • What if I have to travel on anyway and travel by alternative transport?

    We understand that waiting for the trains to run again 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.