It was only last week that Dutch unions across the Netherlands went on strike to cap their retirement age at 66. Now, they are planning an even bigger strike on May 29 unless their demands are met. The unions cover sectors from public transport to the police and aviation.

Striking across the country

The strike on May 29 is being organised by the Dutch unions CNV, FNV and VCP and is set to be bigger than the strike on March 18, which was ended prematurely due to an attack in a tram in Utrecht, which took three lives. The unions want the retirement age to be frozen at 66 and further indexation of pensions, as well as the fine for retiring early to be scrapped.

The minister of Social Affairs and Employment, Wouter Koolmees, has been informed of the strike. Last November, negotiations between the unions and the Dutch government came to a standstill. Now, the unions are only prepared to re-enter into talks with Minister Koolmees if they feel an agreement can be reached.