Employees in the Netherlands went on strike less frequently last year than in 2024, although the actions that did occur lasted significantly longer. A total of 23 strikes resulted in the loss of nearly 60,000 working days, with reports indicating that workers are generally more satisfied with their salaries than in previous years.
The Haarlem city council has approved the sale of its share of the Verweyhal national monument to the Raiola heirs to facilitate a full restoration of the historic building. The renovation, set to begin this year, will transform the site at the Grote Markt into a space featuring a shop and a public green roof terrace.
Jehovah's Witnesses have updated their policy to allow members to store and use their own blood for planned medical procedures, a shift from their previous total ban on blood transfusions. The change follows historical instances of members dying after refusing blood and raises questions about the practical benefits for the community in the Netherlands. While the new rule provides an alternative for scheduled surgeries, it may not address emergency situations where blood has not been pre-stored.
Multiple suspects armed with a bladed weapon robbed a coffeeshop on Papaverweg in Amsterdam-Noord around 7:30 AM. No injuries were reported, but the suspects fled with an undisclosed amount of loot, prompting a police investigation and a call for witnesses.
The library in Velserbroek is hosting a crash course starting May 11th for adults to learn modern technologies such as 3D printing and laser cutting. The program is held at the library's Maakplaats and is open to everyone aged 18 and older.
The Amsterdam Marathon will not return to the city center after a safety study by local authorities concluded the area is too vulnerable for 45,000 participants. While organizers hoped to route the race through landmarks like Dam Square, the event will instead maintain its traditional start and finish at the Olympic Stadium. This decision provides finality following years of investigation into potential route changes for the event's 50th anniversary.