Brussels, February 24, 2025 – Commuters across Belgium faced severe railway disruptions on Monday, the first working weekday of a nine-day nationwide strike.
With only two in five inter-city (IC) trains and one in four local (L) and suburban (S) trains running, passengers encountered overcrowded conditions and extended travel times.
Peak-hour (P) trains, which normally ease congestion during rush hours, were almost entirely absent. The strike, which began at 22:00 on Friday, February 21, had a relatively minor impact over the weekend as participation was left to individual staff members.
However, with train drivers officially joining the action on Monday and Tuesday, the disruptions became more pronounced.
The Belgian rail operator SNCB has advised travelers to check its website or mobile app daily for up-to-date information on alternative timetables.
Overcrowded Trains and Commuter Frustration
The limited number of operational trains led to severe overcrowding on key routes. According to reports from VRT NWS, passengers at Gent-Sint-Pieters station struggled to board trains due to the high volume of travelers.
Similar situations were observed at other major stations, including Brussels Midi and Antwerp-Central. While a minimal train service has been maintained, many passengers expressed frustration over the lack of available transportation.
“This morning was chaotic. The few trains that did run were packed beyond capacity,” said a commuter traveling from Leuven to Brussels. “I had to wait for the next train because I simply couldn’t get on.”
What to Expect in the Coming Days
SNCB has confirmed that the strike will continue to impact train services in the coming days, with varying levels of disruption.
On Tuesday, two in five IC trains and one in three L and S trains will operate. Passengers have been urged to check travel planners in advance, as the participation of striking staff may change daily.
The strike is being led by two smaller railway unions, the Belgian Autonomous Union of Train Drivers (ASTB-SACT) and the Independent Trade Union of Railway Personnel (OVS), both of which primarily represent train crew.
The unions are protesting several Federal Government policies, including the increased retirement age for train drivers and conductors, the closure of smaller train stations, and potential cuts to bonuses for night and weekend shifts.
They are also voicing concerns over the reclassification of train crews, which could affect pay and working conditions.
Larger Railway Unions Plan Future Actions
While the current strike is being spearheaded by ASTB-SACT and OVS, Belgium’s two largest railway unions, ACOD-Spoor and ACV-Transcom, have opted not to participate.
Instead, they have announced plans for a series of rotating strikes and other protest actions between March and July.
With the strike entering its first full workweek, Belgian rail passengers are bracing for continued disruption.
Many hope that negotiations between unions and the government will bring a resolution before further industrial actions exacerbate commuting difficulties in the months ahead.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
