Europe: The Brussels public transport operator STIB confirmed on Monday afternoon that the strike on June 20, announced by the socialist trade union BBTK in the previous week, will cause various disruptions to its network.
Belgium is likely to face another stop after going through national strike on May 31. Another strike is planned with unions once again calling on the Government to protect people’s purchasing power.
The exact impact is unclear yet, as it is currently impossible to know the staff’s participation in the action. The demonstration in the city centre will also see several lines being blocked or diverted, especially trams and buses.
“STIB advises its travellers to provide alternative public transport on that day and apologises for the inconvenience,” a statement from the company noted. “We will do all the things in our power to serve as wide an area as possible and to enable students to reach their schools for the exams.”
STIB will inform the public in real-time about the situation on the network starting at 06:00 on its social media platforms (Facebook and Twitter) and its website.
Public transport operator De Lijn said, “It is taking stock of who will and will not participate, and draw up the adjusted timetable based on that information. Trains operated by SNCB are expected to go ahead as scheduled, as no strike notice has been filed for the company.
In a press release last week, BBTK said that in light of prices continuing to skyrocket, which is putting Belgian workers’ purchasing power in danger, it is once again taking to the streets.
In April and May, unions and their members organised strike actions, calling on the Government for better protections to deal with the cost of living crisis, strengthen pension systems, boost public sector investment as well improve social consultations between trade unions and politicians.
