Most primary schools in Groningen, Friesland and Drenthe provinces are closed on Wednesday as up to 6,000 teachers strike for more pay and better working conditions.

Last week, education minister Arie Slob sealed a deal on reducing the pressure of work at primary schools, including a €237m pay-out to employ more teachers.

Although this comes on top of the €270m already agreed, teachers, unions and school managers say it is not enough. They want the government to come up with an extra €630m to boost pay.

Wednesday’s action is the first of a series of rolling strikes which have been planned in support of the campaign. On March 14, teachers will strike in Flevoland, Utrecht and Noord Holland provinces and there will also be a major demonstration in Amsterdam.