Large parts of Noord-Holland province are again without bus services on Thursday as drivers continue their strikes in support of a new pay and conditions agreement.

The strike is affecting some services around Schiphol airport as well as Haarlem, Alkmaar, Hoorn and Den Helder.

According to the FNV trade union, 85% of bus drivers in the province are taking part in today’s strikes.

Talks on a new pay and conditions deal for 12,000 public transport workers have been stalled for months.

The unions are demanding less pressure of work and a 3.5% pay rise while employers have offered a 2% increase and no agreement on working conditions.

The employers say the unions call for an extra five minute break per 150 minutes on shift will lead to a 5% increase in costs. ‘And then the pay rise comes on top of that,’ a spokesman told broadcaster NOS.