The planned 72-hour strike from Monday 29 January to Thursday 1 February on the Belgian railways has been suspended, according to an announcement made on Thursday by the CGSP/ACOD railway union.
"The ACOD Spoor-CGSP Railway Union has suspended its planned action for the end of January, and it accepts the initiative aimed at restoring the basis for true labour negotiations," the union emphasised in a press release.
The union and the Belgian railway management have agreed to sit for talks in coming weeks, aiming to address outstanding disputes. The issues have involved matters concerning staff welfare, employment, recruitment status, and ensuring a quality "viable service for passengers."
"We asked for joint consultations within joint bodies or ad hoc working groups. The management listened to our arguments and proposed a schedule of negotiations... We reminded management of the strong signal from the railway staff during the actions of November and December."
However, the union stressed that the suspension of the strike action should not be seen as an approval of the issues under discussion – meaning that if the talks do not bear fruit, the strike could still go ahead.
"We stress that this can in no way be considered as a possible endorsement of the current talking points. ACOD Spoor-CGSP Cheminots is determined to realise its demands."
