Police unions are planning to step up their campaign for a pay rise and take part in industrial action during the KNVB Cup final between PEC Zwolle and Groningen on May 3.

The unions say they plan to call a mass union meeting during the match, which will make it difficult to ensure sufficient policing at the Rotterdam ground, news agency ANP reports.

They are also planning to stop work patrolling popular nightlife areas for two hours on Friday evenings and to reduce their presence at other football matches.

Police officers who work at courts will also go on strike for a number of hours for three days next week. This will delay court cases taking place.

The unions say they are being forced to take action in support of their pay claim because ministers have failed to react to their demands. ‘Let them show they value what we do with deeds as well as words,’ ANPV spokesman Ronald Pronk told news agency ANP.

On Wednesday, police carried out a go-slow action on the motorways by travelling in convoy at 60 kph from Groningen to Maastricht. On Thursday, some police stations will be closed for a number of hours.

Police unions are demanding a 3.3% pay rise to end a four-year pay freeze as well as measures to enable older police officers to retire before the age of 67 and  compensation for the effect of the recent major reorganisation of policing operations.