Hospital personnel are planning a day’s strike in mid-April in support of their claim for more pay and better working conditions.

The strike will cover all non-essential care and will have an impact on patients, trade union FNV said. Other unions, including NU91 and FBZ, support the call.

Talks on a new pay and conditions deal for healthcare workers have broken down, with hospitals refusing to improve their offer of a 4% pay rise in 2025 and a further 2% next year. The FNV wants a 7% increase in 2025.

The unions also want hospitals to introduce measures to reduce the pressure of work, including ensuring staff have proper breaks and eight-hour gaps between shifts.

The union says the strike is only the third national strike organised in Dutch hospitals. The two others took place in 2019 and 2023. A date for the strike still has to be finalised.