Regional train services in Groningen, Friesland  and Limburg have been cancelled on Wednesday because of ongoing strike action.

Train operator Arriva said its services in the north would not be running after the transport workers’ union VVMC called its members out on strike in an ongoing dispute over pay.

Local buses are also affected by the strike, but around 40% of services are expected to run. Bus strikes are also taking place in Flevoland and northern parts of Zuid-Holland.

The stoppages coincide with a week-long series of strikes this week by the FNV and CNV unions, who have called out workers in local government and the retail sector in support of their demands for inflation-matching pay increases.

Unions also want improvements in working conditions to reduce workloads and deal with the high level of sickness absence.

Arriva trains in Limburg and the Achterhoek are also not running on Wednesday, while around 30% of buses are in service.