Belgium is set for a tumultuous end of March as a national interprofessional strike day is scheduled for March 31, 2025. Organized by the FGTB (Fédération Générale du Travail de Belgique) and the CSC (Confédération des Syndicats Chrétiens), this strike follows a period of tensions between labor unions and the government over ongoing labor disputes.
On March 20, 2025, Minister of Mobility Jean-Luc Crucke made headlines with a strong statement addressing the role of smaller unions in labor disruptions, insisting that it is not appropriate for them to block the entire country. His comments were made in response to an impending seven-day strike set to begin on March 23 by METISP-protect, following a string of previous disruptions involving the larger Syndicat indépendant des cheminots (SIC) and Syndicat autonome des conducteurs de train (SACT). These strikes had already impacted rail services extensively, with the CGSP-Cheminots and CSC-Transcom planning to extend their actions to a total of 18 days over the upcoming months, directly affecting public transport networks.
The FGTB and CSC aim to voice their discontent against the measures taken by the coalition government, which they accuse of initiating a “declaration of war” against the labor class. This sentiment echoes their ongoing fight against what they characterize as regressive social measures set forth by the government led by Prime Minister De Wever, marking this strike as part of a broader campaign termed a "marathon of resistance" throughout the entire legislative term.
According to representatives of the labor unions, the series of planned strikes—including this crucial national strike—aims to address and rectify issues stemming from the current socio-economic conditions. In a statement, a spokesperson for the FGTB lamented, “There is a lack of respect in a general sense. A clear signal needs to be sent.”
The stakes are high as the upheaval is expected to have a far-reaching impact on various sectors and services across the nation. With the CGSP cheminots and CSC/ACV-Transcom committing to participate in the general public service strike, public transport operations, including those of the SNCB (National Railway Company of Belgium), TEC (Walloon transport company), Stib (Brussels transport), and De Lijn (Flemish transport), are braced for significant disruptions. As of now, the SNCB has not yet confirmed the availability of its trains, but it has advised travelers to stay updated through its online travel planner within 72 hours of the strike commencing.
Meanwhile, the TEC is warning users that details regarding service disruptions will only be available on strike day, and passengers are encouraged to consult their app for live updates. The Stib, responsible for bus, metro, and tram services in Brussels, is also preparing for strong disruptions, urging its patrons to utilize its website, mobile app, and social media channels to stay informed.
Interestingly, not all unions are participating in the upcoming strike. The CGSLB (Centrale Générale des Syndicats Libéraux de Belgique) has publicly stated its intention to refrain from joining the general strike. In a letter to the public, CGSLB reaffirmed their stance, reflecting the views of their members who oppose the strike, believing that constructive solutions can only be reached through negotiation. CGSLB's president, Gert Truyens, noted that targeted actions might still be supported in sectors where conditions are severe, like security and cleaning, highlighting their commitment to engaging with employers and modernizing social dialogue.
As March 31 approaches, the Belgian public is advised to prepare for unprecedented disruptions across all public transport systems. Those relying on rail services—including international travelers—should consult the appropriate channels for the latest updates to avoid inconveniences on what promises to be a challenging day.
The intertwined saga of strikes highlights the growing unrest among workers and unions as they seek greater respect, transparency, and collaboration in an era marked by economic pressures. As both sides dig in their heels, the outcome of this national strike could dictate the labor landscape in Belgium for months to come, making the actions unfolding on March 31 a pivotal moment for the nation's future.
