Title: Schiphol Airport Files Lawsuit to Maintain Train Service Amid Rail Strike
Amsterdam, Netherlands – In a bid to ensure uninterrupted connectivity between the city and the airport during a rail strike, Royal Schiphol Airport Amsterdam has filed a lawsuit seeking guarantees that train services will continue to operate. The lawsuit comes ahead of a national strike by rail workers scheduled for Wednesday, which is expected to cause significant disruptions to public transport services.
The strike, which will take place between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m., is anticipated to lead to delays and cancellations as employees return to work post-strike. Schiphol Airport, however, is not attempting to block the strike itself. Instead, it is seeking an injunction that would require labor unions and the Dutch national railway operator NS to maintain a passenger service between Amsterdam and the airport, which is the European Union’s second-largest airport.
In order to achieve this minimal train connection, Schiphol is initiating summary proceedings, the airport explained in a statement, emphasizing the importance of public transport in keeping the airport accessible, even during early morning hours.
The strike is part of a wider labor action by public transport workers that kicked off on Tuesday with workers in major cities walking off their jobs. Train and regional transport workers are scheduled to participate in the strike on Wednesday, with the regional workers’ strike originally planned for Thursday before being moved up to maximize the impact.
Despite discussions between Schiphol, NS, and the unions regarding the possibility of maintaining a train shuttle service, no agreement has been reached, prompting the airport to resort to legal action.
While respecting the right to strike, Schiphol expressed its regret at having to take this measure, stating that it sees no other alternative. The FNV labor union, however, has made it clear that it will disregard Schiphol’s demands for the strike not to affect airport operations.
Henri Janssen, the head of the FNV rail division, pointed out that the strike was announced well in advance, giving all parties ample time to prepare and arrange alternative travel options. The strikes are in demand of a permanent early retirement scheme for Dutch workers in physically and emotionally demanding jobs, as the current temporary scheme is set to expire at the end of the year.
Stay updated with the latest stories and developments as the situation unfolds.
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