Some 200,000 people rallied Saturday in Amsterdam against the government's controversial austerity and reform measures in the city's biggest demonstration in two decades.
The demonstrators protested measures by the centre-right government of Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende aimed at reducing early retirement entitlements, putting back the retirement age and reforming the social security contributions system from next January.
"There weren't as many people during the demonstrations here against nuclear weapons in 1981," said police spokeswoman Elly Florax.
The country's three leading labour union groups, the FNV, CNV and MHP, organised the demonstration, with participants from all over the country rallying in the city's Museum Square.
Protest banners and tee-shirts read "the cup is full", "the Netherlands deserve better," "No to longer working hours".
The unions said they hoped the success of the demonstration would persuade the government to re-think its plans. The government coalition also plans to introduce changes in the system of invalidity benefits and health insurance.
It says the measures are required to revive the sluggish economy and keep the social security system going. "I've problems believing these arguments," said Paul Sonke, a 40 year-old professional psychologist who took part in the rally along with his daughter.
"I do not find fair a health care reform that recompenses those who are not ill while those who are ill get nothing. People don't choose to be ill."
Teachers Yt and Margo criticised what they called the lack of solidarity in government politics.
According to latest opinion polls, 60 percent of Dutch oppose the reforms, although nearly 50 percent regard them as necessary.
Social Affairs Minister Art Jan de Geus said Friday he was willing to reopen talks with the two sides of industry on aspects of early retirement reforms.
Following Saturday's rally, the head of the one of the coalition partners, the centrist D66 party, called on the government to resume negotiations with unions.