Commuters will be hit by major problems getting to work on Tuesday and Wednesday, as public transport workers go on strike in support of their early retirement campaign.

On Tuesday, public transport in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague will come to a halt between 4 am and 8 am, and on Wednesday, NS and regional transport workers will strike at the same time.

Public transport firms expect it will be around 8.30 by the time services get back to normal after the strikes, but say it could be later before buses, trams and trains are operating according to the timetable.  

The strikes are part of a series of stoppages by unions in support of a new early retirement scheme for workers in physically taxing jobs. The current ruling is due to expire at the end of this year. The retirement age in the Netherlands is 67.

Strikes will follow this week in Rotterdam port, in the construction sector, healthcare and various other heavy industries. On Monday afternoon, the cleaning sector will go on strike and hold a rally at Schiphol airport. The police have been taking action since the spring.

Social affairs minister Eddy van Hijum has said he is looking at extending the current regulations and that some cash is available. However, the unions say they are not convinced.

The new pension agreement includes a commitment to a permanent ruling for people in taxing professions but we still don’t have one, Henri Janssen from the FNV-affiliated railway union said. “So we are taking action.”