Three-Day Railway Strike to Hit Belgium
Belgium will be affected by a three-day railway strike at the end of this month, with other public transport services also likely to grind to a halt.
Rail strike in Belgium
Railway workers in Belgium are expected to go on strike for three days at the end of November.
The nationwide strike, lasting from 22:00 on 23 November until 22:00 on 26 November, is likely to cause disruptions to train services across the country.
The strike has been called by three Belgian railway workers’ unions.
Brussels-South railway station. ©AndyBTravels
Strike impact
It is not yet clear what the exact impact of the strike will be, or whether any Belgian trains will still operate.
However, it is expected that a minimum train service will be maintained across the country on 24 November.
On 25 and 26 November, more widespread train disruptions are expected, as alongside railway staff, workers from other sectors have also vowed to strike in protest at the reform plans of Belgium’s federal government.
Belgian unions have called a strike for all public servants on 25 November, while on 26 November, a nationwide strike is planned for all workers.
On these days, it is likely that, in addition to train services, other public transport operations such as buses, trams, and metro services will experience widespread cancellations.
Which train services will run?
The impact of the railway strike on train operations in Belgium will depend on worker turnout.
Given that the Brussels capital region and the Walloon region in southern Belgium are more heavily unionised than Flanders, the strike is likely to have the greatest effect there.
SNCB, Belgium’s national railway company, will likely publish an alternative timetable for the duration of the strike 72 hours in advance to comply with local regulations.
As always, check the SNCB website, or, if travelling internationally with operators such as Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn, or SNCF, whether your train may be affected.
This article will be updated as more information on the strike’s impact becomes available.
The Eurostar train from London to Amsterdam has arrived at the station in Brussels. ©AndyBTravels
Conclusion
Belgium will be hit by a 72-hour railway strike at the end of November.
The extent to which the strike will affect domestic and international train services is still unknown, but more widespread disruptions are expected on 25 and 26 November.
