In an unprecedented move, Belgium's rail network is set to face a wave of strikes that will disrupt transportation for an extended period from late February to July. The upcoming nine-day railway strike, starting Friday evening and running through March 2, is a rare occurrence with little precedent in the country. The strike, led by two independent unions representing train drivers and railway personnel, is in protest of pension reforms proposed by the new federal government, which would raise the retirement age for railway workers.
Belgium, home to key European Union institutions and NATO headquarters in Brussels, is no stranger to labor disputes and policy-related strikes. However, the duration and frequency of the upcoming strikes set this wave apart from previous disruptions. Following a nationwide strike on Feb. 13 that resulted in the cancellation of all flights in and out of Belgium, the upcoming railway strikes are expected to have a significant impact on commuters and families traveling across the country.
In addition to the nine-day strike, several other railway unions have announced plans for rotating strikes starting in March, which will continue multiple times per month until July. A nationwide general strike is also scheduled for March 31. The walkouts have been deemed "totally unacceptable, irresponsible, and out of proportion" by the three companies operating the Belgian railways – SNCB, Infrabel, and HR Rail.
The disruption is expected to affect around 900,000 passengers who use Belgium's densely packed railway network daily. The National Railway Company of Belgium anticipates that six out of 10 trains will run on Saturday, but cautions that train availability may vary throughout the strike period. Commuters are advised to stay informed about the alternative schedules announced the day before each strike day. With the strike coinciding with school holidays in the French-speaking region of Belgium, the impact will be felt by a wide range of travelers and commuters across the country.