Bin collectors in Amsterdam are beginning a seven-day strike in the latest stage of a dispute over pay and conditions.

The FNV union has also announced stoppages in Leiden, which will begin on Tuesday, and Den Bosch from Wednesday.

Household rubbish collections will be suspended and street bins will not be emptied during the stoppage, although in Amsterdam the union has agreed to continue cleaning up street markets at the end of the day.

Unions are demanding a 12% pay increase for all staff as well as compensation for future inflation and the retention of sick pay arrangements for people who are off work for longer than the statutory two years.

The VNG, which is negotiating on behalf of local government, has offered a 5% pay rise from February 1 and an additional increase of 3% in April 2024.

FNV negotiator Marieke Manschot said: ‘It’s unbelievable that the VNG is allowing this to continue and not taking our demands seriously. That’s why we are entering yet another week of strikes. The willingness of our members in many cities to take action is only increasing.’

Strikes earlier this month in Utrecht, Rotterdam and The Hague led to piles of bin bags in the streets.

Amsterdam has urged householders not to put their waste outside during the period of the strike. However, the council has also said inspectors will not issue fines to people who breach the rules except in extreme cases.