Brussels, March 25, 2025 – The week-long rail strike organized by the independent railway union METISP-Protect has entered its second working weekday, continuing to disrupt travel across Belgium.
On Tuesday, March 25, slightly more InterCity (IC) trains are running compared to Monday, but services remain limited, affecting both domestic and international commuters.
The strike, which began on Sunday, March 23, at 22:00, will last until Sunday, March 30, at 22:00, affecting all Belgian rail employees.
National rail operator SNCB/NMBS has confirmed that a reduced alternative train service is being provided daily, depending on staff availability.
Train Services Impacted
The strike schedule varies each day, with different groups of railway workers walking out on different days.
Train drivers are striking from Monday to Wednesday, while train conductors will stop work from Wednesday to Friday. Strikes may also continue into the weekend, depending on individual participation.
On Tuesday, March 25, the revised train services are as follows:
- 70% of IC trains are operational, an increase from 66% on Monday. These trains connect major Belgian cities and only stop at the largest stations.
- 66% of suburban (S) and local (L) trains are running, up from 60% on Monday. S trains operate within and around major cities, stopping at most stations, while L trains connect major cities but make stops at every station along the route.
- Few peak-hour (P) trains are available. On Monday, only 20% of these services operated. These trains typically reinforce morning and evening rush-hour services.
Several stations remain without service, including Brussels-Kapellekerk, Buda, Callenelle, Chapelle-Dieu, Harchies, Maubray, Mazy, and Ville-Pommeroeul.
Passengers are urged to consult the SNCB/NMBS journey planner, available online and via the app, for real-time updates on available services.
International Travel Disruptions
The strike is also affecting international rail travel. The Dutch railway operator NS has announced the cancellation of half of the EuroCity trains and ten out of 16 EuroCity Direct services between Brussels-Midi and Rotterdam-Central.
Passengers with pre-booked tickets can use any available trains within the March 23 to April 1 timeframe, though EuroCity tickets do not apply to EuroCity Direct and vice versa.
Eurostar, the high-speed train operator, canceled two trains between Paris and Brussels on Monday but does not anticipate further disruptions.
“Currently, we do not expect an impact on other days. If this changes, affected passengers will be informed accordingly,” a Eurostar spokesperson told The Brussels Times.
More Strikes on the Horizon
The METISP-Protect union is protesting cost-cutting measures in the railway sector and the government’s plans to raise the retirement age. The week-long strike is part of a broader wave of planned industrial actions in Belgium’s rail sector.
Once the current strike ends, a general strike on March 31 will follow, organized by major rail unions ACOD Spoor and ACV-Transcom. In total, these unions have planned 18 strike days between now and July.
Additionally, the smaller Autonomous Union of Train Drivers (ASTB-SACT) has announced plans for six days of strikes in April and will strike two weeks per month from May onward.
With ongoing disputes and more industrial action planned, Belgium’s rail passengers face an extended period of uncertainty and disruptions 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
