Belgium’s three main trade unions and various civil society organisations are holding a national union day of action across the public sector tomorrow. They are calling on people to come to Brussels to demonstrate against the De Wever I government and its reform plans. The protest will cause disruption on land, at sea and in the air.
Flemish public transport company De Lijn
General disruption is expected at De Lijn on Tuesday. The public transport company anticipates running fewer bus and tram journeys across Flanders.
However, De Lijn will be running an alternative service, details of which are available on De Lijn’s website. Passengers are advised to plan their journey using the route planner on the website or on De Lijn’s app. Journeys that are not running will not appear in the route planner.
Despite this alternative service, De Lijn warns that journeys may still be cancelled on the day itself.
Brussels public transport company MIVB
The Brussels local transport company MIVB expects serious disruption to the metro, tram and bus network in the capital tomorrow, both along the route of the demonstration and elsewhere on the network.
The transport company says it will do everything in its power to ensure at least part of its service and promises to keep its passengers informed about the situation on the network. At the same time, the MIVB encourages people to look for alternative solutions for their journeys in Brussels, if possible.
Belgium’s state-owned rail company NMBS
The NMBS has not been notified of any strike intention. Normally, all trains will run according to schedule.
However, the NMBS warns that many passengers are expected on trains to and from Brussels, as many protesters will be taking the train to attend the demonstrations.
No flights
The national trade union action will have a major impact on aviation. According to the airports, the protest will result in insufficient staff to guarantee safe operations.
As a result, no passenger flights will depart from Brussels Airport or Brussels South Airport at Charleroi. Passengers are asked not to come to the airport. An impact is also expected on some arriving flights.
Disruption in Brussels
The demonstrators taking part in the protest will gather at Brussels North Station from 10 a.m. At around 10.45 a.m., the protest will set off towards Brussels South Station, via Brussels Central Station.
Traffic disruption is expected along the route of the march, both for the public at large and public transport.
In addition, disruption is also expected to waste collection in Brussels. Net Brussel expects waste collection rounds in the Brussels Region to be severely affected by the situation.
What about the shops?
Last week the three trade unions also called on shop staff to strike.
Employees are urged to leave their shops and take part in the national action. The unions are also calling on customers to take part in a “consumption strike”: to show solidarity by not shopping and joining the protests.