Public transport in the Netherlands may come to a standstill next week during a series of relay strikes. Strike action will begin on Monday in Amsterdam, followed by The Hague on Tuesday and Rotterdam on Wednesday.

In Amsterdam, trams, buses and ferries will be affected.

The strikes are in protest against government cuts to the tune of 120 million euros in public transport in the three cities. Public transport unions say the cuts will lead to 40 percent less trams, metro trains and buses within two and three years time. Safety in public transport will also be affected by the cuts say the unions.

A large rally outside Central Station attended by opposition leaders Job Cohen, Emile Roemer and Jolande Sap, will be held in Amsterdam on Monday in support of the strike. Other organisations backing the strike have united in an organisation called the Social Struggle Support Committee.

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