The prospect of a police strike has moved a step closer after unions walked out of talks with justice minister Ferd Grapperhaus to negotiate a new wage deal.

An ultimatum delivered to Grapperhaus and Erik Akerboom, the head of the national police force, expired on July 1 without agreement. The ACP union said its concerns about the pressure caused by demands for police to work more flexibly had not been taken seriously.

The force wants more clarity on a proposed pay deal as well as measures to address the number of police officers leaving the force.

‘Police personnel see their employers’ proposals as having serious consequences for their work-life balance and an increase in travel costs, which will affect their disposable income,’ said a statement by the union.

The union is organising a march in The Hague on July 5 ‘to show that the blue lemon, or the police, has been squeezed to the core.’ It has not said what form any further action will take but strikes have not been ruled out.