Following the announcement that train disruptions are expected on the "national day of action" by trade unions on Wednesday 9 November, public transport operators in Flanders and Brussels have confirmed their services will also be heavily impacted.
The socialist (ABVV/FGTB), Christian (ACV/CSC) and liberal (ACLVB/CGSLB) trade unions are organising a general day of "inter-professional" actions and strikes on 9 November, calling for more purchasing power in light of skyrocketing inflation.
"Due to the participation in this action of some staff members, we expect heavy disruptions on our network and advise travellers to find alternative solutions to get around Brussels on that day," Brussels' public transport operator STIB's spokesperson An Van hamme told The Brussels Times in a statement.
"The lines that will or will not run are not known in advance, but STIB fears that few buses, trams and metros will run that day."
As always STIB will inform its passengers in real-time through its various information channels (website and social media pages) what lines will be operating from 06:00 onwards next Wednesday.
Disruptions across Belgium
Belgium's railway company SNCB announced its services will be impacted. As railway strike actions typically start as early as the evening before, at 22:00, disruptions are likely from Tuesday evening, lasting 24 hours.
Wallonia’s public transport operator TEC has not yet confirmed what the impact of the strikes will be on its services, but is expected to do so on its website and via social media in the coming days.
Disruption in Flanders
Tram and bus services in Flanders will also be impacted by the strike next week. "The action is not directed against De Lijn, but many of our staff are taking part," the company wrote in a statement on Thursday. "It will cause disruption to bus and tram services across Flanders. How big the impact on services will be, and where it will be felt the most, is currently not yet known," it added.
The company confirmed it will be providing an adjusted timetable, put together based on the staff that are willing to work on the day of the strike, which will be published in the course of the evening on Monday 7 November.
Unions demand better wages and the revision of the 1996 Wage Margin Act. Credit: Belga / Paul Henri Verlooy
Services that are cancelled due to the strikes will not appear on the website and in the app on Wednesday next week. "The route planner always shows the most recent situation and may therefore change slightly after Monday," the company wrote.
What is the reason for the strike?
The strike next week will mark the fourth time this year people across Belgium are going on strike and taking to the streets. During this action day, unions want to draw attention to the fact that life is becoming much too expensive for many employeers and that they are worried about their future.
"The situation is very serious for those who do not earn high wages and yet cannot claim the social energy tariff," a statement from the Christian trade union ACV read. "From single parents living on one wage and people who have to take on jobs on the side to pensioners, the sick and the disabled, the "social situation is downright worrying," it added.
Related News
- Train disruptions expected on 9 November 'national day of action'
- Compensation for striking workers increases from €30 to €40
- 9 November national strike: What you need to know
The unions have called on an urgent price cap on gas and electricity must be put in place, and for the extension of the social tariff. As was the case earlier this year, they reiterated that the "attacks on the wage indexation" must stop.
