Belgium's week-long rail strike has entered its third full day. The alternative timetable on Wednesday is similar to that of Tuesday, with seven in ten InterCity trains running.
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. National rail operator SNCB/NMBS confirmed that fewer trains will run due to the action.
A reduced alternative train service is being offered every day based on available staff. The impact differs every day, explained by the variation in staff who are called to strike. Wednesday is the only day when both train drivers and train conductors have been called on to strike.
On Wednesday 26 March, the alternative train service is as follows (approximately):
- Seven in ten IC (InterCity) trains will run (around 70%). They directly connect major cities and only stop at the biggest stations.
- Two in three S (suburban) trains and L (local) trains will run (around 66%). 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.
- Few P (peak) trains will run. They normally only run during the morning and evening rush hours, reinforcing the service during peak hours.
Passengers are advised to always check the journey planner (via the company's website or app) to see exactly which trains will be running.
The SNCB/NMBS website provides passengers with an overview of the services per train type (IC, S, L) and per station (where few or no trains stop). No trains will stop in the stations of Bracquegnies, Brussels-Chapelle, Buda, Callenelle, Harchies, Havré, Maubray, Nimy, Obourg, Thieu, and Ville-Pommeroeul.
International train travel is also impacted. The Dutch railway operator NS confirmed that many of the EuroCity and Eurocity Direct trains between Brussels-Midi and Rotterdam-Central railway stations have been cancelled. The NS International website shows which trains will not run.
Similar situation on Thursday
The alternative timetable for Thursday 27 March has also been confirmed. It will be the same as on Wednesday.
The following services will run:
- Seven in ten IC (InterCity) trains
- Two in three S (suburban) trains and L (local)
- Few P (peak) trains
The strike aims to denounce the railways' cost-cutting measures and the new government's measures, such as raising the retirement age. The week-long strike culminate in a general strike on Monday 31 March in which the two major rail unions, ACOD Spoor and ACV-Transcom, will take part.
In total, the two major unions will organise 18 days of strikes between now and July. Meanwhile, the smaller Autonomous Union of Train Drivers (ASTB-SACT), announced that it wants to strike for six days in April and two weeks per month from May.
