Several services will be disrupted on 25 June due to a day of action against a series of (planned) social reforms by the Federal Government.
The strike was called by the trade unions ABVV-FGTB, ACV-CSC and CGSLB-ACLVB. Among the measures the unions are denouncing are policies affecting pensions, unemployment benefits, and wages.
"While social security is being dismantled, wages are being frozen and public services are being slashed, profits are skyrocketing and inequalities are widening," said ABVV-FGTB in a statement.
A demonstration across the centre of the capital is planned to take place on 25 June.
Union members are set to gather at 10:00 by the Brussels-North station. From there they will make their way through the city and end the demonstration by the Brussel-Midi station. The unions invited the wider civil society to join their day of action.
No departing flights
All departing passenger flights from Brussels South Charleroi Airport and Brussels Airport have been cancelled. At Charleroi, all arriving flights have also been cancelled.
Affected passengers can expect to be contacted directly by their airlines with more information on their options.
The info board shows canceled flights, due to a strike action at Brussels Airport on 13 February 2025. Credit: Belga/Jasper Jacobs
The airport in Zaventem warned that several arriving flights may be impacted by the national strike. Passengers are advised to contact their airlines for updates on their flight status or to consult the airport's website.
Severe public transport disruptions
Public transportation across the capital is expected to be severely disrupted according to the transport operator, STIB/MIVB. While concrete details are yet to be revealed, STIB warns that the metro, tram and bus services in its network will be significantly impacted.
More specific details will be shared on Tuesday afternoon, according to an STIB/MIVB spokesperson. STIB/MIVB will share information via its website, mobile app and social media accounts.
Inside a Brussels metro station. Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
Routes adapted to the available lines during the national strike can be planned using STIB/MIVB's multimodal app, Floya. The app also offers alternative routes via other modes of transport including bicycles, scooters and car-sharing systems.
On 25 June from 06:00, passengers can ask for advice and information from the STIB/MIVB Customer care via Facebook, Instagram or the phone number +32 (0)2 563 89 17.
At De Lijn, which has bus services operating in Brussels, no strike notice has been filed. However, some subcontractors may participate in the day of action, according to a De Lijn spokesperson. The transport operator advises passengers to check their website or app for updates.
Limited impact on trains
Train services are not likely to face significant disruptions as no strike notice has been filed with the National Railway Company, SNCB. However, the railway company warns of a possible high number of passengers travelling to and from Brussels during the day of action.
Security staff is set to be present at major stations to help manage big crowds. Access to platforms may be restricted during peak hours.
Credit: Belga / Hatim Kaghat
Passengers are advised to plan their journey by using the journey planner on the SNCB website or app before heading to a train station.
It is currently unclear whether Eurostar services will be impacted. The high-speed train company will have more information closer to the day of the strike, a Eurostar spokesperson told The Brussels Times.
Other disruptions
Administrative services are set to be affected in some municipalities. In Saint-Gilles for example, the municipality has confirmed that all population, residence and civil status services will be closed on 25 June. Residents are advised to check their local commune website for more information.
The waste management services in Brussels will likely be disrupted, according to a spokesperson at Bruxelles-Propreté. This will most likely impact rubbish bag collections, bulky waste collections, and recycling parks. Residents are advised to put rubbish bags out as normal. A catch-up service will be set up to support the waste collection system the day after the strike.
It is currently unclear if postal services will be affected by the national strike, a Bpost spokesperson told the Brussels Times.
