nuSep 14, 2026, 11:02

Cleaners to strike for a week at locations including Schiphol and train stations

Cleaning staff represented by the FNV union have launched a week-long strike across the Netherlands to demand a better collective labor agreement. The workers are protesting at key locations including Schiphol Airport and various major train stations until employers agree to reopen negotiations.

Cleaning staff across the Netherlands have initiated a week-long strike after over 80 percent of FNV union members rejected a recent collective labor agreement. The workers are demanding that the contract be renegotiated to address concerns such as compensation for rising costs, better wage increases, and improved protection against financial losses during illness. They are also seeking standardized benefits that align with those currently enjoyed by hotel cleaning staff.

The industrial action, which is scheduled to last from Monday through Friday, has already resulted in significant disruptions. According to the FNV, a majority of cleaners at Schiphol Airport stopped working on Monday morning. Furthermore, widespread strikes have been reported at major transportation hubs, including train stations in cities like Utrecht, Rotterdam, Groningen, and Nijmegen. The union has stated that it plans to continue its campaign until the employers’ organization, Schoonmakend Nederland, agrees to return to the bargaining table to address their specific demands.

Economy Business Netherlands

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Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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