Netherlands: possible regional bus and train strike on Saturday 7 November 2026 (FNV/CNV) — only if the resumed talks fail

The unions FNV and CNV have moved the regional public transport strike they called off on 22 October to Saturday 7 November 2026 — but only if the resumed talks on the Openbaar Vervoer collective agreement fail. The agreement covers about 13,500 drivers and other staff of the regional bus companies (Arriva, Keolis, Qbuzz, Transdev/Connexxion, EBS and others) and the regional train lines they run outside the NS network.

Talks resumed on 22 October after the employers improved their pay offer and withdrew part of their proposals to worsen conditions. After the second day of talks on 29 October there was no result; an extra negotiating day was set for 30 October, and the unions say actions are "not yet off the table". Any negotiated result would be put to the members.

What to expect: nothing changes until the unions confirm the strike. If they do, regional buses and the regional trains run by these companies across the Netherlands would be largely cancelled on 7 November, as on 14 October; NS trains and the city networks of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht are not covered by this agreement. This page will be updated when the unions decide.

Why: the unions want no deterioration of working conditions, measures against workload (working hours, rosters, rest after shifts) and a decent pay rise; they object in particular to the employers' proposals on arrangements for older workers, the personal choice budget and the irregular-hours allowance.