Council criticizes GVB over treatment of staff: GVB finds apologizing quite difficult

Amsterdam city council members have sharply criticized public transport operator GVB for its poor treatment of employees and a culture of intimidation, with several political parties calling for the immediate resignation of the company's board. The backlash follows a court ruling ordering GVB to pay €45,000 in damages to a former driver whom the company failed to protect from harassment, highlighting a perceived lack of accountability and self-reflection within leadership. To address internal distrust, councilors proposed appointing an external ombudsman to handle employee grievances independently of the transport company.