Next week, on 24, 25 and 26 November, unions are mobilising for strike action against the De Wever I government's reform plans. It is gradually becoming clear where you can expect disruption.
Home News
Belgium hit by 3 days of strike action: what to expect on Monday
Colin Clapson
Published:
Updated:
On Monday, the strike will mainly affect public transport.
Train services will be disrupted for three days due to the strike. The railway unions have called on staff at state railway company NMBS to take part in a 72-hour strike, which will start on Sunday 23 November at 10 p.m. and continue until the last train on Wednesday evening, 26 November. The rail company is drawing up an alternative timetable based on rail workers that have indicated a willingness to work. According to the NMBS, the available train service will be visible in its route planner 24 hours in advance.
Monday through Wednesday, there will be fewer De Lijn buses and trams running throughout Flanders. An alternative timetable is being drawn up and will be available from Saturday evening, 22 November. Updates for Monday will be announced on Saturday evening, for Tuesday on Sunday evening and for Wednesday on Monday evening. As some services may be cancelled unexpectedly, De Lijn recommends consulting the route planner on the day itself.
Public transport in Brussels will also be severely disrupted on 24, 25 and 26 November, according to the Brussels local transport company MIVB. The transport company says it will certainly ensure part of the service but advises travellers to look for alternative solutions for travel in Brussels on those days.
The socialist trade union has submitted a three-day strike notice for the police. It is not yet clear whether disruption is expected and, if so, how significant it will be.
Rail unions plan a further strike week
On Thursday rail unions announced further strike action. The unions unhappy with a higher retirement age for rail workers plan to strike for an entire week, when the De Wever government’s reform plans are voted in parliament. This could be in January or in December or not at all, if the De Wever government falls over the budget, a union rep told Belgian press agency Belga.