Bus, train and metro drivers in the Dutch port of Rotterdam have announced that they will be on strike during the morning rush hour on Wednesday.

The strike has been called by the FNV and VOR trades unions in protest against the budget cuts imposed by the right-wing government. The unions are also opposed by the cabinet's decision to put bus and rail services in the major cities out to open tender. Local companies which have sometimes been providing city transport for over a century are at risk of losing out to foreign bidders, who often cut services and worsen labour conditions, according to the trades unions.

The strike is expected to cause widespread traffic problems in the Rotterdam area on Wednesday morning. Services will resume by mid-morning.

(rk)

© Radio Netherlands Worldwide