Belgium is currently experiencing significant travel disruptions due to a nine-day rail strike initiated by two smaller unions, OVS and ASTB. The strike began on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 10:00 PM and is slated to run until Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 10:00 PM. Protestors are voicing their discontent over recent federal government proposals, which include controversial measures like raising the retirement age and implementing budget cuts within the rail sector.
This industrial action has created turmoil across Belgium's domestic rail network. The National Railway Company of Belgium (NMBS/SNCB) has scrambled to adjust their services, offering alternative timetables based solely on staff availability. Over the duration of the strike, the percentage of operational trains has fluctuated significantly—approximately 60% of trains ran on Saturday, February 22, whilst Sunday saw two-thirds of InterCity (IC) trains and 75% of S and L trains operational. Unfortunately, forecasters predict the situation will deteriorate during the weekdays, with only two out of every five IC trains expected to run this Monday, and suburban L and S trains down to 25% of regular service. Peak hour P-trains are predicted to be nearly entirely canceled.
International rail services are similarly affected. The popular Eurocity Direct service between Brussels and Amsterdam has been suspended for the strike's duration. Though the EuroCity service connecting Brussels and Rotterdam continues to operate, it is restricting its schedule to only twelve of its usual sixteen daily round trips. High-speed connections have also been compromised; two ICE trains between Brussels and both Cologne and Frankfurt were called off on Sunday, February 23. Travelers seeking attraction to cosmopolitan Paris using Eurostar will find themselves limited as six trains are cancelled daily throughout the peak midweek days.
Adding to the inconvenience, Austria's Nightjet service is not making its usual stop at Brussels and instead concludes its route at Cologne, compelling passengers to transfer to the ICE trains for final leg journeys. Meanwhile, shorter international routes, including those to Roosendaal, Maastricht, Aachen, Luxembourg, Lille, and Maubeuge, will be evaluated daily based on current circumstances. Travelers are advised to utilize the NMBS/SNCB travel planner to check for the latest service updates one day prior to their trip.
Public frustration is palpable, as evidenced by numerous social media complaints. One tweet lamented the state of the rail services, which commented, "Wat is er mis met de belgische spoorwegen! #sncb! Elke dag bijna alle treinen vertraging." This gathering discontent reflects broader concerns about the efficiency and reliability of public transport amid the disruptions.
Understanding the strain on passengers, the NMBS/SNCB has expressed sincere regret for the extensive inconvenience caused by the work stoppage. They are actively trying to provide alternative services where feasible. With expectations of increasing disruptions during weekdays, the railway company strongly encourages commuters to explore alternative transportation options or amend travel plans where necessary.
This rail strike is not isolated; it is indicative of longer-standing tensions within Belgium relating to industrial actions protesting against government reforms impacting public services. The ramifications of such disruptions are far-reaching, imposing significant challenges on both domestic and international travelers, all underscoring the pivotal role rail transit plays within Belgium's transport infrastructure.
Consequently, as this strike progresses, passengers are advised to remain informed through official channels and prepare for any necessary alterations to their journeys to effectively navigate these challenging circumstances.