Brussels, February 19, 2025 – Train services across Belgium are set to be severely impacted for nine days as two railway unions launch consecutive strikes starting this Friday.
The Independent Trade Union of Railway Personnel (OVS) has called for a nationwide walkout from 22:00 on Friday, February 21, until 22:00 on Sunday, March 2.
Simultaneously, the Belgian Autonomous Union of Train Drivers (ASTB-SACT) has submitted a strike notice spanning 22:00 on Sunday, February 23, to 22:00 on Friday, February 28.
The coordinated strikes are a response to multiple federal government measures, including proposed changes to the retirement age for train drivers and the planned closure of smaller train stations.
The actions are expected to cause significant disruption to commuters and travelers across Belgium.
Major Disruptions Expected
With both strikes overlapping on multiple days, train operator SNCB anticipates that train services will be reduced significantly.
The last major strike on January 13 saw only one in three InterCity (IC) trains and one in five local (S and L) trains running, while no rush-hour (P) trains were in operation.
“We expect there will be fewer trains running than usual,” SNCB spokesperson Dimitri Temmerman told The Brussels Times. “Passengers should check the SNCB journey planner regularly as train availability will change daily.”
A minimal train service will be offered based on available staff, who will decide each day whether to participate in the strike. As a result, train schedules will remain uncertain until the day before travel.
Advice for Passengers
SNCB is advising all travelers to check the status of their journeys in advance through the official SNCB website or mobile app.
The operator emphasized that passengers should check for updates the day before their travel, as schedules will be updated based on real-time staffing levels.
International train services, including Eurostar, TGV INOUI, EuroCity, and ICE, are currently expected to run as scheduled.
However, passengers connecting via local Belgian trains are urged to make alternative arrangements. Cross-border local services to Lille, Maubeuge, Luxembourg, Roosendaal, Maastricht, and Aachen may also face cancellations.
To assist affected travelers, SNCB will offer strike certificates online for up to seven days after the disruption, allowing passengers to confirm train cancellations for work or travel insurance claims.
More Strikes Ahead
The current nine-day strike is just the beginning of a series of rotating rail strikes planned by Belgium’s two largest railway unions, ACOD Spoor and ACV-Transcom.
The unions have already announced regular industrial actions from March to July, further raising concerns about prolonged disruption to Belgium’s rail network.
Commuters and businesses reliant on the rail system now face months of uncertainty, with the potential for additional strikes to be called if negotiations between unions and the government fail to reach an agreement.
Passengers are strongly encouraged to plan ahead, explore alternative transportation options, and stay updated through official SNCB channels.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
