Europe in Turmoil: Strikes Hit Netherlands as ECB Hikes Rates

Public sector workers in the Netherlands held a 24-hour general strike on September 8 against cuts being carried out by the right-wing Dutch government. The federation of Dutch trade unions (FNV), Christian National Trade Union Federation (CNV) and the Trade Union Federation for Professionals (VCP) mobilized one week before Prinsjesdag, the opening of parliament and presentation of the annual budget in the Netherlands.

The strike was part of multiple FNV actions protesting the planned budget across the Netherlands. Workers went on strike at Heineken, ABN AMRO bank, the ports, and among government cleaners. Along with the demonstration, a petition 'Stop the cuts to home care' with almost 60,000 signatures was handed over to parliament.

Following the protest, there was a nationwide public transport strike. Further actions are planned in the days leading up to Prinsjesdag, such as a strike within the FNV construction and housing sector. EPSU stands in solidarity with people across the Netherlands in the fight against the dismantling of the social safety net and supports the fight against austerity across Europe.

Separately, metalworker unions FIM, FIOM, and UILM called a strike at Electrolux's facilities in Italy on September 15. The unions said there had been no progress in talks with the appliances maker on a restructuring plan that includes job cuts and a plant closure. The European Central Bank raised interest rates by a quarter point to 2.5 per cent, citing inflation pressures driven by the Iran war.