Brussels – Belgian railway passengers will face significant disruptions in train services this week as the independent railway union Metisp-Protect initiates a strike against budget cuts and pension reforms.
The strike, which begins on Monday, March 24, and continues throughout the week, is expected to impact thousands of daily commuters.
The National Railway Company of Belgium (NMBS/SNCB) has announced an alternative train schedule to mitigate the impact of the strike.
On Monday, March 24, two out of three Intercity (IC) trains will operate, while three out of five L- and suburban S-trains will be in service. However, peak-hour P-trains will be severely affected, with only one in five scheduled to run.
The situation is set to worsen on Tuesday, March 25, as NMBS predicts further reductions in train availability.
Only seven out of ten IC trains and two out of three L- and S-trains will be operational. P-train services will remain critically low, with only 20% of scheduled trains running.
NMBS has urged passengers to check the online travel planner frequently to stay informed about last-minute schedule changes. The schedule for Tuesday will be updated on Monday morning.
The ongoing strike stems from mounting tensions between railway unions and the Belgian government. Metisp-Protect, an independent railway union, is protesting against NMBS budget cuts and proposed federal government measures, including an increase in the pension age.
Union representatives argue that these austerity measures will lead to job losses, reduced service quality, and an increased burden on railway workers.
In addition to the Metisp-Protect strike, further disruptions are anticipated at the end of the month. On March 31, railway unions ACOD Spoor and ACV-Transcom will stage a one-day strike as part of a broader national protest.
This nationwide strike is expected to impact not only the railway network but also various other public services across Belgium.
Commuters have expressed frustration over the repeated strike actions, with many taking to social media to voice their concerns about the reliability of public transport.
“It’s becoming impossible to plan my commute. These strikes disrupt my work schedule and personal life,” said Thomas Leroy, a daily commuter from Antwerp to Brussels.
NMBS has reassured passengers that it is making every effort to ensure a minimum level of service despite the disruptions.
“We understand the inconvenience caused by these strikes and are working on an alternative schedule that maximizes service availability based on the staff who report for duty,” an NMBS spokesperson stated.
As the strike week unfolds, Belgian authorities are closely monitoring the situation, with concerns over potential economic fallout and commuter dissatisfaction. Government officials have called for dialogue between NMBS and union representatives to reach a resolution.
For now, passengers are advised to prepare for delays and service reductions, with NMBS emphasizing the importance of checking the latest updates via its digital platforms.
The alternative schedules for upcoming days will continue to be published in advance to help commuters plan their journeys.
With another strike looming at the end of the month, Belgium’s railway network remains under pressure, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of public transport services amidst ongoing labor disputes.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
