The strike notice was filed shortly after a last-ditch emergency meeting between the union and HR Rail on Thursday ended without resolution. “This strike aims to denounce the continuing serious threats to the rights and working conditions of railway workers,” said Chkhachkhi
The strike, organized by the independent railway union METISP-Protect, began on March 23 at 22:00 and is set to conclude on Sunday, March 30, at 22:00, affecting railway employees across the country
“The impact of the strike will vary from day to day and may be greater on weekdays than on weekends,” SNCB/NMBS said in a statement. Passengers are urged to check train schedules daily via the company’s website or mobile app
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
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
