Public transport strike halts nearly all train services across Netherlands

A public transport strike on Wednesday brought nearly all train services across the Netherlands to a halt, while also disrupting other forms of transportation, according to Dutch broadcaster NOS.

Trade union FNV said a few thousand public transport employees were taking part in the strike, although the exact number was not immediately known.

The strike brought virtually all train services across the country to a standstill for 24 hours, while also disrupting urban and regional public transport.

The disruption resulted in a sizable number of people working from home, NOS reported.

Meanwhile, a primary school in Amsterdam arranged a tour boat for students and teachers after ferry services were disrupted.

Passenger organization Rover criticized the unions' approach to the campaign, saying that while they aim to stand up for vulnerable people, taking away their mobility further isolates them.

The organization called for other forms of campaigning.

The public transport strike was announced by the FNV trade union as part of broader action against planned cuts to social security.

The unions are calling for the cuts to be completely scrapped. Although the government has since announced that it would reverse part of the planned measures, the unions do not consider the move sufficient.