Facing a shortage of ferry operators, Amsterdam public transit company GVB is reportedly examining a trial that would place one operator instead of two on some ferry routes, NH reports.

The company’s works council calls the plan irresponsible, and operators have voiced strong concerns. Some have discussed the possibility of a strike if the trial proceeds.

Ramon Rippens, GVB’s director of operations, said the shortage stands at around 10 operators. That shortfall has made it difficult to maintain all scheduled sailings. During Pride weekend the previous week, the company only just managed to keep the timetable running.

“We have an enormous interest in bringing in multiple colleagues,” Rippens told NH. GVB is doing everything possible to close the gap, he added.

The company is in talks with Rijkswaterstaat and the government about shortening the current four-year training program for operators, a step it believes could ease the shortage. At the same time, officials are pursuing a short-term measure. Under the proposed trial, the number of operators on certain routes would drop from two to one, with a ferry attendant standing alongside.

Operators inside the organization remain focused on safety risks. Sources within the company told NH the trial is viewed critically, with widespread concern and discontent. Operators have discussed strikes among themselves if the experiment moves forward.

One employee, speaking anonymously, said, “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 for.’”

A second operator, also speaking anonymously, said, “Rationally seen: something must happen, only it is the way in which. Everyone gives negative advice, and yet it has now become positive.”

GVB’s goal is reportedly to keep any change limited to a trial. Company officials say the ideal arrangement remains two operators per ferry. Whether the trial will actually begin remains undecided. Talks are continuing.