Belgium is experiencing substantial disruptions in its railway system starting at 10 PM on Sunday, March 23, 2025, due to a strike initiated by the independent railway union Metisp-Protect, which will last until March 30. This strike raises significant concerns for thousands of commuters reliant on the train services.
The NMBS/SNCB (the National Railway Company of Belgium) has reported that disruptions are expected, stating that around one-third of the InterCity (IC) trains will not operate on Monday, March 24, 2025, as per their estimates. Despite this, they assure passengers that some services will continue. The strike does not affect all routes equally; for instance, P trains, which transport students to key cities like Brussels, Leuven, and Liège, will largely run as scheduled since they are set to depart before the strike begins.
According to NMBS/SNCB's operational details for Monday, two out of every three fast IC trains will not operate. Moreover, of the local L/S trains, three out of every five will run, while only one out of every five P trains will service peak commuters in the morning and evening hours. In preparation for these disruptions, NMBS/SNCB encourages all travelers to regularly check their electronic travel planner to ensure they have the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding their journeys.
This strike is part of a broader trend of labor actions in Belgium, emerging from recent protests against proposed reforms to the railway workers’ pension system. Unions have expressed that these reforms are unfair and pose a threat to the rights of the workforce in this sector.
Meanwhile, Belgian ports, notably Antwerp-Zeebrugge and Ghent, are experiencing serious operational challenges due to another strike. This strike by dockworkers, led by the ACOD union, began on Thursday evening, March 20, 2025, and is expected to escalate pressures on the federal government regarding proposed retirement reforms as well.
By Sunday morning, port operations were significantly hampered, with 21 vessels waiting in the North Sea for pilots to assist them into Belgian waters. According to the Maritime and Coastal Services Agency (MDK), operations have ground to a halt as both arrival and departure of vessels are stalled. Some ships remain stuck within the port of Antwerp, unable to leave, while additional vessels are trapped in Ghent.
This ongoing dockworkers' strike threatens to disrupt global supply chains, as Belgian ports are crucial trade hubs in Europe. The MDK is deploying resources to reduce waiting times, but the economic implications of these strikes are steep, resulting in potential financial losses for companies that depend on the smooth functioning of maritime transport.
The dockworkers are asserting their demands for the government to reconsider proposed pension changes, which they believe jeopardize their job security and financial stability. Their protests highlight a growing frustration among labor unions that feel marginalized in negotiations affecting their livelihoods.
The Maritime Agency MDK has stated that they are doing their utmost to address these operational challenges while assuring that they are working to minimize delays. However, as the dockworkers' strike continues, concerns are growing about the possibility of significant economic consequences if resolution is not reached soon.
In both the railway and maritime sectors, these labor disputes reflect a pivotal struggle over worker rights and protections at a time when economic stability is critical for many Belgians. Will the government heed the calls of these unions, or are more extensive disruptions on the horizon?
As the situation develops, commuters and businesses alike are encouraged to stay informed through updates from both the NMBS/SNCB and the MDK. The coming days will be crucial in determining how these strikes impact daily life and the economy in Belgium.
