Belgium's week-long rail strike has started. On Monday, 24 March – the first working day affected by the mobilisation – fewer trains are running. Two out of three trains between major cities will run, and only one in five peak-hour trains will.
The independent railway union METISP-Protect is organising a week-long strike from Sunday 23 March (from 22:00) to Sunday, 30 March (at 22:00/last train), affecting all Belgian rail employees, regardless of their department. National rail operator SNCB/NMBS has confirmed that fewer trains will run due to the action.
A reduced alternative train service is offered every day based on the staff available. The impact differs every day, which can be explained by the variation in staff who are called to strike, with the train drivers going on strike first, followed by the train attendants.
On Monday 24 March, the alternative train service is as follows (approximately):
- Two in three IC (inter-city) trains (around 66%) will run. They directly connect major cities and only stop at the biggest stations.
- Three in five S (suburban) trains and L (local) trains (around 60%) will run. S trains run at fixed times in and around major cities, stopping at most stations. L trains run between the major cities but stop at every station along the route.
- One in five P (peak) trains (around 20%) will run. They normally only run during the morning and evening rush hours.
International rail travel is also impacted. The Eurostar high-speed operator is cancelling two trains between Paris and Brussels on Monday. Affected passengers will be informed and can exchange their tickets free of charge or get their money back, the company said. If other journeys are cancelled, all passengers concerned will be informed.
Additionally, several Eurocity trains between Rotterdam and Brussels will be cancelled.
Impact on Tuesday
The transport plan (how many trains will run per train type) will be published 48 hours in advance here. For example, the train service for Wednesday 26 March will be available from Monday 24 March.
The alternative timetable for Tuesday 25 March has also been confirmed. The following services will run:
- Seven in ten IC trains
- Two in three S and L trains
- Few P trains
Exactly which trains will be running will be visible 24 hours in advance in the journey planner (via the company's website or app). Passengers are advised to always check the planning every day.
With this strike, METISP-Protect wants to denounce the railways' cost-cutting measures and the new government's measures, such as raising the retirement age.
