Brussels, Belgium — Belgium is bracing for a turbulent March as a wave of strikes is set to disrupt public transport and other services across the country.
The strikes, spearheaded by major trade unions, reflect mounting dissatisfaction with Federal Government policies on pensions, budget cuts, and working conditions.
Following the end of a nine-day rail strike in February, further actions are already scheduled, threatening to paralyze the nation’s transport infrastructure once again.
A Year of Unrest Continues
Although 2024 was marked by frequent strikes and protests, the first weeks of 2025 have proven equally contentious. On 13 February, 60,000 people took to the streets of Brussels in a national strike against pension reforms proposed by the ‘Arizona’ parties’ negotiators.
The protests came just days after Belgium finally formed a Federal Government, but the new administration’s policies have only intensified public anger.
February concluded with a nine-day rail strike that brought train traffic to a standstill nationwide. The prospect of more disruptions looms large, as multiple strikes are planned for March, targeting both regional and national transport services.
No Federal Day of Action on 13 March
Contrary to previous communications from unions, the anticipated federal day of action on 13 March has been called off. However, this decision has done little to ease concerns about the impact of other scheduled strikes.
De Lijn Strike on 12 March
The first major action in March is a strike by staff at De Lijn, the Flemish transport operator, on Wednesday, 12 March.
Organized by a joint union front, the strike is a response to concerns over a new work schedule set to take effect in July 2025 and a reduction in services. Unions argue that the irregular working hours will significantly disrupt the personal lives of De Lijn drivers.
The strike is expected to cause significant disruptions to tram and bus services across Flanders. An alternative timetable will be published on the evening of Monday, 10 March, with passengers advised to consult the De Lijn app or online route planner.
Trips that are cancelled will not appear on the route planner, making it essential for commuters to check updates frequently.
National Rail Strike on 17 March
The most significant disruption is anticipated on Monday, 17 March, when a national rail strike is planned.
Called by the two major rail unions, ACV Transcom and ACOD Spoor, the strike will commence at 22:00 on Sunday, 16 March, and continue until 22:00 the following day.
The unions are protesting Federal Government measures affecting pension rights and a directive for SNCB to save €675 million over the next five years.
Union leaders argue that these cuts will inevitably lead to job losses and a deterioration of service quality. All NMBS staff and subsidiaries are expected to participate, with the strike threatening to halt most national and regional train services.
Looking ahead, the two rail unions have also warned of plans to strike four days each month starting in April, primarily impacting regional traffic. Additionally, they have committed to joining a general public services strike on 31 March.
Ongoing Negotiations
Talks are ongoing with Mobility Minister Jean-Luc Crucke (Les Engagés) and Pensions Minister Jan Jambon (N-VA) in an attempt to avert the strikes.
While union leaders have expressed skepticism about the outcomes, there remains a possibility that a last-minute agreement could prevent some of the disruptions.
One-Week Rail Strike from 23 to 30 March
Further compounding the situation, the small rail union METISP-Protect has announced a week-long rail strike from Sunday, 23 March (starting at 22:00) to Sunday, 30 March (ending at 22:00).
This action follows a strike notice issued last month, which has yet to be withdrawn. The SNCB has confirmed that a conciliation meeting will be held to attempt to resolve the conflict.
Should the talks fail, passengers are advised to use the SNCB website and app to stay updated on available services. An alternative timetable will be created based on staff availability, and passengers are encouraged to plan their journeys a day in advance.
General Strike on 31 March
Capping off a strike-heavy month, the socialist union ABVV and the Christian union ACV have called for a general strike on Monday, 31 March.
The strike is a protest against a series of Federal Government measures that unions describe as a “declaration of war” against the workforce.
Picket lines are expected to block access to industrial estates across Belgium, with significant disruptions anticipated for public transport and other services. The major rail unions have already confirmed their participation, ensuring that train services will be severely affected.
In a surprising move, the liberal trade union ACLVB has decided not to join the general strike. While ACLVB remains part of the broader trade union front, it has emphasized the need to continue negotiations with the government rather than resorting to further strikes.
Impact on Commuters and Businesses
The series of strikes is likely to have a significant impact on both daily commuters and the broader Belgian economy. Businesses are bracing for reduced productivity and supply chain disruptions, particularly if the strikes extend into April as unions have threatened.
Commuters, already weary from February’s nine-day rail strike, face another month of uncertainty with limited alternatives.
Experts warn that the ongoing unrest could further erode public confidence in the Federal Government, which has struggled to balance fiscal responsibility with public sector demands.
The government’s pension reforms and budget cuts are seen as necessary to address Belgium’s rising public debt, yet the scale of public resistance suggests that finding a compromise will be a daunting task.
A Long Road Ahead
With no end in sight to the standoff between unions and the government, Belgium’s transport network seems set for a prolonged period of disruption.
As talks continue, commuters and businesses alike are left hoping for a breakthrough that can prevent the worst of the planned strikes.
The coming weeks will be a critical test for the new Federal Government’s ability to manage labor relations and public discontent. The outcome could shape Belgium’s political and economic landscape for months to come.
