Many people in Belgium – especially commuters – likely let out a sigh of relief when the nine-day rail strike ended. However, several more days of action are planned this month. Here's what to expect.
While 2024 was considered a strike- and protest-heavy year, the first weeks of this year have continued in a similar vein. Less than two weeks into the new year, 30,000 people took to the streets as part of a national strike day against the pension reform discussed by the 'Arizona' parties' negotiators.
Shortly after, Belgium finally had a Federal Government. But public discontent only grew and on 13 February, 60,000 protested in Brussels. The impact was felt across the country. February ended with a nine-day rail strike, heavily disrupting train traffic across the country and with the prospect of more actions looming. Here are the actions you can expect to take place this month (so far).
Contrary to previous communications by unions, there will be no federal day of action on 13 March.
Wednesday 12 March: De Lijn strike
Staff at the Flemish transport operator De Lijn are set to hold a "day of action" on Wednesday 12 March with the joint union front.
The strike was organised by the trade unions out of concern over the new work schedule set to take effect in July 2025, as well as the recent reduction in the number of services. In particular, unions have pointed to irregular working hours that will negatively affect the personal lives of De Lijn drivers.
De Lijn bus in the city of Ghent. Credit: Belga/ James Arthur Gekiere
The company expects disruptions of tram and bus services across Flanders. An alternative timetable will operate based on the available staff.
This will be published on the evening of Monday 10 March. Passengers are advised to use the online route planner or the app to plan their trips. The route planner will not include any trips that are no longer running.
Monday 17 March: National rail strike day
On Monday, 17 March, all rail workers in Belgium have been called on to strike. This will start on Sunday 16 March (at 22:00) and last until Monday 17 March at 22:00.
The action is organised by the two major rail unions, ACV Transcom and ACOD Spoor. The strike notices apply to all NMBS staff and workplaces, including its subsidiaries. The unions oppose Federal Government measures affecting pension rights, and the call on SNCB to save €675 million over the next five years, which they fear will result in job losses.
The first full day of the nine-day strike in February 2025. Credit: BelgaThe first full day of the nine-day strike in February 2025. Credit: Belga/ Nicolas Maeterlinck
The same two unions have threatened to strike four days every month from April, but these will mainly affect regional traffic. On 31 March, they will also join the general public services strike.
However, talks are ongoing with the Minister for Mobility Jean-Luc Crucke (Les Engagés) and Pensions Minister Jan Jambon (N-VA). The outcome of these talks could result in strike actions being cancelled.
Sunday 23 March to Sunday 30 March: One-week rail strike
The small rail union METISP-Protect last month issued a strike notice from Sunday, 23 March (from 22:00) to Sunday, 30 March (at 22:00). The union confirmed staff will take turns to strike: affiliated train drivers will offload strike days with train conductors.
In light of the two separate strike notices, a conciliation meeting will be held between national railway operator SNCB and the unions, SNCB confirmed.
If these cannot deliver a resolution the strikes will go ahead. Passengers will be informed about the expected disruption via the SNCB website and app. "Based on the presence of staff, an alternative service will be established. To find your best alternative, we advise you to plan your journey the day before your departure," the company wrote.
Monday 31 March: General strike
To top off the strike-heavy month, the socialist union ABVV and the Christian union ACV are planning a general strike day on Monday 31 March. This aims to denounce a series of measures put forth by the Federal Government, which unions described as a "declaration of war" against the entire workforce.
The unions are expected to set up picket lines to block access to industrial estates across Belgium. However, if the action receives a lot of support as was the case in the previous two major strikes on 13 January and February, it is likely public transport and other public services will be disrupted.
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In any case, fewer trains will likely ride as the major rail unions have already announced that they will join this strike day.
The liberal trade union ACLVB has decided not to participate in the general strike. It says it was not breaking the joint trade union front (including ACLVB, ABVV and ACV), but that it wants to give consultations a chance.
