Brussels – The week-long nationwide rail strike, which has disrupted train services across Belgium since Sunday, March 23, is entering its final days.
As the industrial action winds down, the alternative service provided by national rail operator SNCB/NMBS over the weekend will be similar to previous days, with a slight increase in the number of trains running.
The strike, organized by the independent railway union METISP-Protect, began on March 23 at 22:00 and is set to conclude on Sunday, March 30, at 22:00, affecting railway employees across the country.
SNCB/NMBS has confirmed that train schedules have been significantly impacted, though alternative services have been offered daily depending on the availability of staff.
Weekend Train Services
On Saturday, March 29, and Sunday, March 30, SNCB/NMBS will operate a reduced but improved service. According to the rail operator:
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InterCity (IC) trains, which connect major cities, will run at approximately 80% capacity.
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Suburban (S) and Local (L) trains will operate at around 70% of normal levels.
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On Sunday, student (P) trains to key university cities such as Brussels, Leuven, and Ghent will run as usual.
Despite the improved service, several stations, particularly in Brussels and rural parts of Flanders and Wallonia, will not have any train stops.
These include Saint-Gilles station, Tour & Taxis, Brussels-West, Forest-Midi, and Simonis. In some cases, alternative bus services have been arranged by SNCB/NMBS.
International Rail Travel Affected
The strike’s impact extends beyond Belgium’s borders, affecting international train services over the weekend:
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EuroCity Direct trains between Brussels and Amsterdam will run at 50% capacity.
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EuroCity trains between Brussels and Rotterdam will see 10 out of 16 scheduled services operate.
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TGV OUIGO services between Brussels and Paris will experience delays due to planned maintenance work and will no longer stop in Mons.
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Some night trains have also been disrupted.
Passengers are advised to check the SNCB/NMBS website and app for the latest updates on train availability and station-specific information.
More Strikes on the Horizon
As the current strike concludes, Belgian commuters will face further disruptions. A general railway strike is set to begin on Monday, March 31, led by the country’s two major rail unions, ACOD Spoor and ACV-Transcom. This broader action is expected to cause severe disruptions across the national network.
Moreover, unions have announced plans for additional strike days in the coming months, with coordinated actions aimed at increasing pressure on railway authorities. This strategy could result in fewer but more impactful strikes.
As negotiations between unions and railway management continue, passengers are urged to stay informed about service changes and prepare for ongoing disruptions in Belgium’s rail network.
