More traffic chaos expected on Thursday 15/05/2008 00:00

As bus drivers continue with their strike on Thursday, traffic jams totalling more than 250 kilometres are expected.

15 May 2008

THE NETHERLANDS - It was busier than normal on Dutch roads on Wednesday because of a strike by bus drivers.

In the morning rush hour, traffic jams on the motorways stretched for close to 300 kilometres. By late afternoon, the jams totalled 250 kilometres.

The ANWB expects there will be more traffic chaos on Thursday as bus drivers in most parts of the country continue their strike. The drivers are demanding a wage rise of 3.5 percent and say that if their employers don't grant this, their unions will announce an indefinite strike.

The actions affect the bus companies Connexxion, Veolia and Arriva, all of which are offering an 11.5 percent rise spread over three years in exchange for the drivers giving up their paid coffee breaks.

Despite the protests, buses are operating in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht and The Hague, as well as in Dordrecht, the Achterhoek and a small area of Friesland. Drivers there are organised under a different contract, one that has no connection with the other companies.

[Radio Netherlands / Expatica]