Today (Monday 24 February) marks the first working weekday of the nine-day railway strike. Just two in five IC (inter-city) trains, one in four slower L and S trains and almost no P (peak) trains are running, resulting in overcrowded trains.
As expected, the impact of the nine-day railway strike (which started at 22:00 on Friday 21 February) is greater on Monday than it was on the weekend. This can be explained by the change in staff who are called to strike: during the weekend, the choice was up to individuals; on Monday and Tuesday, train drivers specifically lay down their work.
As a result, only two in five IC trains (trains that directly connect major cities and only stop at the biggest stations) and one in four local (L) and suburban (S) trains are running today. L trains run between the major cities but stop at every station along the route. S trains run at fixed times in and around major cities, stopping at most stations.
Almost no peak-hour (P) trains, which only run during the morning and evening rush hours, will be operating.
Due to the limited supply, many trains are overcrowded. VRT NWS reported that in Gent-Sint-Pieters, it was very difficult to get on certain trains.
What to expect in the coming days
A minimal alternative train service will be offered for every strike day based on the staff available. Staff will decide each day whether or not they will participate. As there is an overlap of the strikes on some days, the impact will differ per day.
National railway operator SNCB calls on passengers to check the daily travel planner on its website or app the day before. For example, to find out how the strike will affect travel on Wednesday, passengers can see which trains will be operating from Tuesday morning.
On Tuesday, trains also will be severely affected by the strike action. Two in five IC trains and one in three L and suburban S trains will be running.
The action is being organised by two smaller railway unions – the Belgian Autonomous Union of Train Drivers (ASTB-SACT) and Independent Trade Union of Railway Personnel (OVS) – with a membership primarily consisting of train crew.
Related News
- Train strike: Two IC trains in five will run on Tuesday
- Greater railway disruption on Monday: only two in five IC trains will run
- Train strikes: Alternative timetable on track 'going as planned'
Both strikes are directed at several Federal Government measures, including the increased retirement age for train drivers and conductors, the scrapping of small train stations, the possible abolition or reduction of bonuses for night and Sunday work and the uncertainty about the reclassification of train crews.
The two largest rail unions, ACOD-Spoor and ACV-Transcom, are not participating. They announced a series of actions and rotating strikes. These will take place several times a month from March to July.
