Train services in Belgium will face major disruptions on Tuesday, April 15, due to a strike organized by five trade unions protesting against reforms proposed in the Federal Government’s coalition agreement.
Despite several rounds of reconciliation meetings, the unions—ACOD Spoor/CGSP Cheminots, ACV/CSC-Transcom, VSOA-Spoor/SLFP-Cheminots, OVS/SIC, and ASTB/SACT—have confirmed their decision to maintain the strike.
The strike comes in response to the government’s plans to raise the retirement age and implement significant savings across the railway sector.
These proposals, which unions argue will negatively impact workers’ rights and conditions, have led to widespread discontent among railway staff.
From 10:00 PM on Monday, April 14, until 10:00 PM on Tuesday, April 15, train operations will be severely limited. The disruptions will affect both domestic and international services, with the Belgian rail operator SNCB/NMBS advising passengers to prepare for limited options.
On the domestic front, approximately three out of every ten Intercity (IC) trains, which connect major cities, will not be running.
In addition, four out of every ten local L and suburban S trains will also be suspended. Peak-hour P trains, critical for morning and evening commuters, are expected to be almost entirely halted.
International rail services are similarly impacted, though some key routes will continue to operate. TGV INOUI, Eurostar, ICE, and OUIGO services are expected to run as scheduled.
However, disruptions will affect EuroCity services, with a quarter of these trains cancelled. Additionally, half of the EuroCity Direct services between Belgium and the Netherlands will be suspended.
The strike has drawn sharp criticism from railway operators, with management teams from HR Rail, Infrabel, and SNCB/NMBS expressing regret over the situation.
In a joint press release, the railway companies stated, “We deeply regret the strike and its impact on passengers. The disruption caused by this ongoing action is increasingly burdensome for not only the passengers but also workers and various sectors relying on the rail infrastructure.”
For Tuesday’s strike, an alternative train service will be in place, based on staff members who have opted to work during the strike period.
Passengers are urged to check the SNCB/NMBS journey planner and official app for up-to-date information about the modified train schedule.
Detailed information will also be available on the operator’s website. Additionally, SNCB/NMBS will continue to offer assistance to passengers with reduced mobility, ensuring their access to the limited services available.
This strike is not an isolated event. The unions had previously staged a walkout on April 8, and they have already announced plans for further strikes on April 22 and 29.
With tensions continuing to rise over the proposed pension and sector reforms, it remains unclear when the ongoing industrial action will come to an end.
The Belgian public and businesses, already affected by previous disruptions, are bracing for another challenging day on the railways, while government officials face mounting pressure to address the concerns of the unions and find a resolution to the crisis.
