ANWB breakdown help continues without reported delays during strike

Motorists calling the ANWB for help with a breakdown have so far faced no reported delays during a 12-hour strike by the Dutch roadside-assistance organisation’s staff, which began at 9am on Monday over stalled pay negotiations.

The ANWB and union FNV said enough employees were working to help drivers, including those stranded in dangerous places such as beside a motorway. An ANWB spokeswoman said: “So far, we can help everyone as we would on a normal Monday.” She cautioned that the situation could change later in the day. The organisation said waiting times had not increased.

Unions FNV and CNV are required to ensure minimum staffing during the stoppage. After the ANWB went to court last week, a judge set minimum levels of 12.5% for roadside assistance and 85% for its emergency call centre. The ANWB and FNV said the required cover had been achieved.

The strike is part of a dispute over stalled collective labour agreement negotiations. A court ordered minimum staffing during the strike, after the ANWB sought guarantees that motorists in urgent situations could still get help.