Brussels, 26 February 2025 – Belgium’s ongoing nine-day rail strike entered its fifth full day on Wednesday, offering some relief to passengers as more trains resumed operations.
The strike, which began at 22:00 on Friday, 21 February, is set to continue until 22:00 on Sunday, 2 March, causing widespread travel disruptions across the country.
The start of the working week saw severe disruptions, with overcrowded trains and heavy traffic congestion as commuters scrambled for alternative transportation. However, from Wednesday onwards, a higher number of trains are expected to run, alleviating some of the pressure on the transport system.
More Trains Running Midweek
Belgium’s national railway operator, SNCB, confirmed that the number of operational trains would increase from Wednesday onwards. This is due to the shift in strike participation, with train attendants taking industrial action midweek, following train drivers who participated in the strike on Monday and Tuesday.
As a result, Wednesday’s train service is operating as follows:
- Inter-City (IC) trains: One in two IC trains are running. These trains connect major cities and only stop at the largest stations. This marks an improvement from the two in five IC trains running on Monday and Tuesday.
- Suburban (S) and Local (L) trains: Two in five of these trains (approximately 40%) are operational. S trains serve urban areas, stopping at most stations, while L trains run between major cities with stops at every station along the route. This is an improvement from Tuesday, when only one in three were running.
- Peak (P) trains: Almost no peak-hour trains are running, a trend consistent since Monday. These services typically operate during morning and evening rush hours to accommodate commuters.
The alternative train schedule for Thursday has also been confirmed, maintaining the same service levels as Wednesday, with no expected increase in peak trains.
Passengers Urged to Plan Ahead
Despite the partial resumption of services, SNCB has urged passengers to check the latest updates through its website and mobile app before traveling. The operator continues to provide daily updates based on available staff.
The disruption has significantly impacted commuters, with many facing longer travel times and overcrowding. Some passengers have opted for alternative transport, including carpooling and cycling, while others have adjusted work schedules to accommodate the limited train service.
Reasons Behind the Strike
The strike action is being led by two smaller railway unions in protest against several measures proposed by the Belgian Federal Government. Key grievances include:
- The increase in retirement age for train drivers and conductors.
- The closure of smaller train stations.
- The potential reduction or abolition of bonuses for night and Sunday work.
The unions argue that these measures undermine working conditions and threaten job security. The government, however, insists that reforms are necessary to modernize Belgium’s rail system and ensure financial sustainability.
Looking Ahead
With four more days of the strike remaining, passengers may continue to face disruptions, despite the improved train availability. While negotiations between the unions and government officials remain at an impasse, the situation remains fluid, with commuters anxiously awaiting a resolution.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
