More strikes are expected to disrupt local bus, train and tram services this week after unions set a deadline of Tuesday for employers to meet their demands.

The two largest unions representing public transport workers, FNV and CNV, are demanding pay rises to offset the effect of rising inflation. But the organisation negotiating on behalf of employers, VWOV, said there is no money available to fund the increases.

Union members are set to walk out on Wednesday and Friday, but exact times and locations have not been disclosed. Staff working for Arriva, Qbus and Keolis are among those taking part.

The FNV said high levels of sickness absence, including one in five drivers, was making stressful working conditions worse.

‘Regional transport workers have reached the limit,’ said union official Marijn van der Gaag. ‘The workload is too great because of irregular work rotas and tight timetables. If nothing changes it will be very bad for public transport.’

FNV is demanding a 16.9% pay increase this year, while CNV wants staff to receive an extra 14% spread over 18 months. The VWOV is offering an 8% rise in 2023 and an extra 3% next year.