Strikers at Garage West: "I normally want to work, but we must oppose the demolition"

Public transport services across the Netherlands have been largely suspended today due to a nationwide strike involving transport workers. Staff members gathered early this morning at the GVB Garage West, located on Jan Tooropstraat in Amsterdam, to voice their strong opposition to proposed government changes regarding social security. The workers fear that if these plans are implemented, they could face significant financial hardship should they become ill or incapacitated in the future.

While many employees noted that they would prefer to be working rather than striking, they emphasized the necessity of the collective action to protect their long-term financial stability. Several workers expressed deep concern that reduced benefits could potentially push them toward reliance on food banks if they were unable to perform their duties. Despite the severity of their situation, the participants described a sense of hope and solidarity among colleagues, calling for the government to withdraw the current proposals and negotiate a new, fairer agreement that preserves their social protections.