A first 48-hour rail strike started at 10PM on Tuesday. Belgian rail staff are taking strike action till 10PM on Thursday 9 November. An 'alternative rail service' will be available. The strike affects the rail company NMBS, railtrack company Infrabel that operates the rail infrastructure as well as HR Rail, the human resources umbrella.
The rail companies will operate a limited service with staff not taking part in the strike. This service, the so-called alternative service, allows the travelling public to plan journeys: people will know beforehand which trains will be running despite the strike.
Details will be released in the course of the day and should be available on the rail company’s website and on the app (English).
Half of all intercity services and 40% of all S and L services should operate. Most commuter services will not run.
Rail staff are unhappy with internal reorganisation efforts, staff shortages, increased work pressure and a productivity drive.
“Every day staff are confronted with failing tools and an unworkable infrastructure" trades unionist Günther Blauwens says.
A second strike is planned from 10PM on 5 December till 10PM on 7 December.