Workers at the Dutch ports of Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and Zeeland are called to strike next Friday, September 4th, between 11:15 AM and 7:00 PM. The mobilization, promoted by the unions FNV Havens and CNV, will affect vessel service operations during that period and may cause disruptions in terminal activity.
The call is part of union protests against the Dutch Government's plans to introduce cuts to the social security system, particularly in unemployment benefits and disability benefits, known in the Netherlands as WW and WIA. The unions estimate the cost of the cuts contemplated in the plans against which the mobilization is directed to be 6.5 billion euros.
During the nearly eight hours expected for the strike, vessels will not be attended to at the affected ports. FNV has indicated that the interruption may affect operations such as the loading and unloading of goods, securing, towing services, and cargo control.
CNV has also confirmed that the call includes port companies in Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and Zeeland and that the strike will take place during the second part of the day shift and the first part of the evening shift. The union has additionally organized a central gathering of workers at Landtong De Punt in Rozenburg, within the port area of Rotterdam.
The mobilization has also begun to be reflected in the operational planning of the terminals. ECT Hutchison Ports has informed its clients that the strike may affect the operation of its facilities and that a possible closure is being considered between 11:15 AM and 7:00 PM. The company also notes that the interruption of operations related to road transport could begin before this time.
ECT operates some of the main container facilities at the port of Rotterdam, including ECT Delta Terminal and ECT Euromax. The company has requested its clients to follow its operational communications in light of the potential changes that the protest may cause during the day on Friday.
The call was initially announced by FNV Havens on August 3rd. The union then communicated that its members from the three main affected port areas were called to cease activity. CNV later confirmed its participation and updated the instructions directed to the summoned workers on August 31st.
The decision to resort to a strike comes after a union meeting held on March 31st, which was attended by more than 700 port workers, during which FNV members expressed their willingness to carry out protest measures against the planned changes to the social protection system.
Among the measures questioned by the unions is the reduction of the maximum duration of unemployment benefits, which would decrease from two years to one, as well as changes related to disability benefits. The union organizations are maintaining a schedule of mobilizations in various sectors of the Dutch economy throughout September.