Amsterdam ferry workers threaten strike over GVB trial

Due to staff shortages, Amsterdam transport company GVB is considering a trial in which there would be only one ferry operator per ferry instead of the usual two. Concerns about safety are driving skippers to threaten strikes if GVB continues with its plans.

GVB mulls trial with one ferryboat captain

GVB, which operates public transport in Amsterdam, including ferries, buses, trams and metros, is looking at introducing a trial in which the number of ferry operators would be reduced from two to one on a few routes. There would be a ferry attendant alongside the skipper to maintain the “four-eyes principle”, reports AT5. 

According to GVB director of operations Ramon Rippens, the transport company has found it challenging to operate all crossings recently due to a shortage of “around 10 skippers”. Indeed, during the recent Pride celebrations in the Dutch capital, GVB barely managed to run the usual ferry schedule as there were not enough workers.

The trial is a short-term solution that is being considered to help with the staff shortage while a longer-term solution is in the works. GVB is reportedly in discussions with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (Rijkswaterstaat) and the government to shorten the skipper training programme, which currently takes four years.

Amsterdam ferry operators threaten strikes

However, the trial has sparked concerns among ferry workers and the works council. "My biggest concern is safety; it is very irresponsible. We are in a WhatsApp group with 80 people, and there is no one who says “I am in favour”," one ferry operator told AT5. 

"Rationally speaking: something needs to happen, but it is the way it is being done. Everyone is giving negative advice, and yet it has now turned out positive," said another. Skippers are even talking about striking if the trial is implemented.

GVB emphasises that the aim would not be for it to go further than a trial, recognising that it is best if a ferry is manned by two captains. "It has to be safe," states Rippens. "Otherwise, we won't even discuss it. So we are not going to make concessions on safety; that is what makes it a topic of conversation. We will do it, provided it is safe." 

Whether the trial will actually take place is still uncertain. The transport company is in talks with the works council to go over the conditions of the trial. "The concerns are being clearly put on the table, and we are discussing them together," says Rippen. "I expect that we will reach a solution together."