rssSep 6, 2025, 05:00

Sick leave, discontent, and high workload: how cleaning problems are making the city increasingly dirty

Amsterdam's waste management and street cleaning services are facing a major crisis characterized by high staff absenteeism, equipment failures, and an aging workforce, leading to a significant increase in litter across the city. Internal reports and employee accounts highlight a culture of fear and extreme physical strain, with sick leave rates nearly triple the industry average. These operational failures have left some neighborhoods neglected for weeks and forced the city to spend over 14 million euros annually on external staffing.

Politics Health Amsterdam

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Based on reporting by rss. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Years of illegal use of Schiphol: environmental groups and local residents take legal action over cabinet plans

A coalition of environmental groups and residents has challenged new government regulations for Schiphol Airport at the Council of State. The plaintiffs claim the rules legitimize years of illegal operations and are seeking a mandatory reduction in flight numbers.

Support for chemsex issues collapses after closure of Stichting Mainline

The closure of Stichting Mainline has severely limited accessible support services for individuals in Amsterdam facing problems related to chemsex. Healthcare providers are now sounding the alarm, warning that the loss of this specialized care leaves a vulnerable group without adequate prevention and assistance.

JARA seeks better connection with agencies: "Young people don't feel heard"

The Youth Advisory Body Amsterdam (JARA) hosted its first youth summit to improve communication between young people and municipal services, law enforcement, and political organizations. The initiative aims to help youth navigate various support systems for personal and health-related issues while bridging the disconnect between city departments.

No new snack bars near schools? Amsterdam looks for legal ways to limit unhealthy food options

Amsterdam is attempting to legally restrict new unhealthy food outlets, especially near schools, by testing the boundaries of current environmental laws in court. The city hopes this pilot case will either empower local authorities to act now or provide the necessary evidence to pressure the national government into finalizing a new Food Act.

Municipality to open its own healthy restaurant to combat excess of fast food outlets

The Amsterdam municipal government plans to open and then deny a permit for its own unhealthy restaurant to test legal limits regarding health-based zoning. By taking the matter to court, officials aim to establish a precedent that would allow the city to restrict new fast-food establishments in the future.