The trade union federation FNV has staged protests around the country against government plans to raise the retirement age to 67. The federation had called on members to hold 65-minute protests starting at 11.55am.

The action ranged from protest meetings to extended lunch breaks. FNV chief Agnes Jongerius addressed a rally in Utrecht. The other large trade union, CNV, did not take join in the protests. A proposed public transport strike in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague was called off after it was banned by an injunction.

The three Dutch trade union federations are calling for an urgent meeting to discuss the future of the Pensions Act with Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende before the age rise is finalised. FNV argues for a flexible retirement age, with employees able to choose when to start drawing their state pension between the ages of 65 and 70. Social Affairs Minister Piet Hein Donner has said the government will make final decisions on the move this month.

The retirement age rise was first put forward as part of a package of government measures to combat the economic crisis. However after furious union protests, the Social and Economic Council was given the job of looking for money-saving alternatives in conjunction with the unions and employers organisations. However, a week ago discussions on alternatives broke down on the eve of the deadline.