NS in Groningen Faces Major Disruption: Staff Strike to Demand Better Early Pension Options
NS Staff Strike for Early Pension Improvements
Wednesday morning brings total disruption to public transport in Groningen as bus services operated by Qbuzz and Arriva cut their routes, and the NS train services also come to a halt. This strike action is primarily aimed at securing better early pension arrangements for transport staff.
Challenges Faced by Bus Drivers
Tineke Groeneveld, a 62-year-old bus driver with four decades of experience, joins the strike. She cites irregular working hours as a significant issue. “Waking up at 3:45 AM just to work until noon and then starting again at 5:30 PM until 2:30 AM creates chaos in our lives,” Groeneveld explains.
- Increasing Pressures: Drivers contend with aggressive behavior from passengers.
- Strain of Timely Service: The push to meet strict schedules adds to their stress.
Organization's Perspective
FNV Noord chairman Henk Rozema acknowledges the challenges transport workers face and emphasizes that driving a bus should be recognized as a demanding job. “The time allowed for routes has decreased significantly while pressures have risen,” he states.
- Passionate Advocacy: Rozema fights for a fair early pension policy.
- Future Actions: If no agreement is reached by Prinsjesdag, larger coordinated strikes are anticipated in the fall involving other sectors.
Looking Ahead: A Call for Fair Treatment
Rozema argues that despite societal changes, the right for workers to retire healthily must be upheld. He stresses that it is time to recognize and support the essential contributions of these workers ensuring public transport runs smoothly.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.