Strike action is once again causing disruption to bus services in the Kempen area in the north and east of Antwerp Province. Bus drivers from 8 of the Flemish public transport company De Lijn’s depots have downed tools. As was the case with last week’s strike action, the drivers are unhappy with a new rostering system that will come into effect from January. From then they will be required to work more split shifts.
Bus services in the Kempen area of Antwerp Province disrupted once again by strike action
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On Friday there were talks between De Lijn’s management and the unions that represent the drivers. However, the talks failed to reach an agreement that would resolve the dispute.
On Monday drivers at the Turnhout, Hoogstraten, Broechem, Wuustwezel, Heist-op-den-Berg, Westerlo, Mol and Oostmalle depots refused to work.
De Lijn's Frederik Wittock told VRT "There still is disagreement about the shift rosters that will take effect from January. Last Friday an agreement was reached for the area of Flemish Brabant that is peripheral to Brussels. However, no agreement was reached for The Kempen and the surrounding area and this is probably why the bus drivers have walked out”.
It is unclear how long the disruption will persist. No talks are planned for today (Monday), but talks are planned for Tuesday.
De Lijn advises passengers to check its website or its app to verify whether the bus service they intend to use is running.