A strike by members of the socialist public service union ACOD is causing major disruption to bus and tram services operated by the Brussels public transport company MIVB. The strike is in protest against MIVB’s plans to close some its of works canteens.
MIVB says that picket lines have been set up outside bus and tram depots across the capital and many drivers that have reported for work are being prevented from leaving the depots with their bus or tram.
On Friday morning only tram routes 4, 7, 9, 10 (only between Docks Bruxsel en Churchill) and 39 are running. Bus routes 33, 42, 63, 64, 66, 69, 72 and 87 (betweeb Beekkant en Hoogbosch only) are the only bus routes running. The bus routes that are running are operating to a reduced timetable. Metro service are running as normal. Check MIVB's website for the latest update.
The action is in protest at plans to close several of MIVB’s works canteens. The union is demanding a 2 euro/day increase in the value of the luncheon vouchers that are given to MIVB staff in order to compensate for the loss of the canteens.
MIVB says that given that negotiations concerning the issue of canteens and luncheon vouchers are still ongoing it is regrettable that some of its staff are taking strike action. Only one of the three unions that represent MIVB staff are taking industrial action