Court limits impact of ANWB strike
The strike may go ahead, but Wegenwacht and Alarmcentrale must remain minimally staffed on Monday.
Follow-up to: ANWB takes strike by Roadside Assistance to court Thursday, 5 November 2026, 11:45
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The strike by ANWB employees on Monday may go ahead. However, the interim relief judge has ordered FNV, CNV and ANWB to keep sufficient staff available for dangerous breakdowns and urgent requests for assistance.
The Midden-Nederland District Court ruled on Friday that Wegenwacht must maintain staffing of 12.5 per cent during the strike. Alarmcentrale must remain 85 per cent staffed. It has not yet been confirmed whether the strike will last from precisely 09.00 to 21.00 on Monday 9 November.
The trade unions announced the strike because, in their view, the collective bargaining talks had produced insufficient results. Employees of, among others, Wegenwacht and Alarmcentrale want to stop work temporarily. ANWB feared that motorists would consequently not be helped, or would be helped too late.
According to the judge, the strike is lawful. A partial restriction is nevertheless justified because motorists on motorways, hard shoulders and in tunnels may need rapid assistance in dangerous situations. The judge calls this minimum service socially urgently necessary.
First, employees who are not striking must be deployed. In addition, striking employees may be called in for very serious accidents. The trade unions must instruct their members accordingly. The ruling therefore does not prohibit the strike, but does impose conditions on how it is carried out.
The ruling comes shortly before the planned action. This means that the practical consequences for motorists remain uncertain. ANWB may provide less routine assistance on Monday, while the necessary assistance must, according to the judge, remain available. The ruling sets conditions for the strike; it does not clarify the progress of the collective bargaining talks.
For motorists, the main implication of the ruling is that assistance in dangerous situations will be prioritised. Waiting times may increase for ordinary breakdowns. It is not yet known how many employees will ultimately strike or how many reports will come in on Monday.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The strike by ANWB employees is scheduled for Monday 9 November.
- The court requires minimum staffing at Wegenwacht and Alarmcentrale.
- According to the judge, the strike itself is lawful.
Left
Arguments The ruling protects the right to strike, but the collective bargaining talks should primarily result in better pay, rosters and employment conditions.
Values Collective bargaining, worker protection and continuity of public services.
Consequences An overly high minimum staffing level could reduce pressure on the employer; staffing that is too low could put motorists at risk.
Centre
Arguments A limited strike is acceptable as long as necessary assistance remains available. The judge is seeking a practical balance between workers’ rights and road safety.
Values Legal certainty, proportionality and continuity.
Consequences The action can go ahead, but the consequences for dangerous breakdowns will remain limited.
Right
Arguments The safety of road users must come first, and an essential assistance service must not come to an almost complete standstill.
Values Public order, responsibility and protection of citizens.
Consequences A high minimum staffing level can limit risks, but may reduce workers’ bargaining power.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The key facts were checked directly with the court and supplemented by independent reporting on the strike going ahead. No unverified claims about the eventual impact on traffic have been included.
- confirmed The strike may go ahead. — According to the interim relief judge, the strike is lawful. source
- confirmed Wegenwacht must remain 12.5 per cent staffed. — This percentage appears in the ruling. source
- confirmed Alarmcentrale must be 85 per cent staffed. — This is stated in the court’s summary. source
Editor's note
The court decision and the minimum staffing percentages are certain. The precise effects on waiting times and the number of strikers were not yet known.Sources
- Noodzakelijke bezetting verplicht tijdens staking ANWB-medewerkers — Rechtspraak.nl
- Staking Wegenwacht gaat maandag door — Transport Online
The story so far
- Thursday, 5 November 2026, 11:45 ANWB takes strike by Roadside Assistance to court
- Friday, 6 November 2026, 21:45 Court limits impact of ANWB strike (this article)
More on this in Dutch media
- RTL Nieuws — „anwb staking”
- NOS — „anwb staking”
- Het Parool — „anwb staking”