Belgium's rail services are set to experience significant disruptions as a week-long strike begins on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 22:00, initiated by the independent railway union METISP-Protect. This strike will affect all rail employees across the country, and its impact will be felt both nationally and internationally.
The national rail operator SNCB/NMBS has confirmed that fewer trains will be available due to this action, stating, "The impact of the strike will vary from day to day and may be greater on weekdays than at weekends." As the strike unfolds, an alternative train service will be organized daily based on available personnel, although commuters are advised to check the latest updates, as staff may choose to participate at any time.
SNCB/NMBS, along with the railway infrastructure company Infrabel and HR Rail, has expressed its disappointment over the strike, calling it "totally unacceptable, irresponsible and disproportionate." The national operator also lamented the consequences this could have for the approximately 900,000 passengers who rely on the service daily. The union, METISP-Protect, argues that this mobilization is vital to defend workers' rights, contending that recent government reforms threaten quality public service and the working conditions of railway personnel.
The union is particularly opposed to a proposed cutback of €250 million by 2029, along with plans that jeopardize the integrated model of the Belgian railway service. Other key points of contention include the deterioration of employee status and the increase in the retirement age for train drivers, as well as the gradual shift from public service to private contracts.
Both international and national rail traffic is expected to be disrupted during this week. Initially, SNCB/NMBS indicated that international services would remain largely unaffected. However, Eurostar has announced it will now cancel two trains between Paris and Brussels on Monday, March 24, 2025. Affected passengers will be notified and given the option to exchange their tickets free of charge or receive a full refund. Similarly, several Eurocity trains traveling between Rotterdam and Brussels will also be cancelled next week, further complicating travel plans for international commuters.
Passengers are encouraged to check the SNCB’s journey planner, which will reflect the ongoing changes in train services 24 hours in advance. Those affected by service interruptions can download a strike certificate from the SNCB/NMBS website to validate their travel disruptions.
This strike is one of many recent actions taken by railway unions in Belgium. A general strike is already planned for Monday, March 31, 2025, and will see participation from the two major rail unions, ACOD Spoor and ACV-Transcom. By July 2025, these unions have scheduled a total of 18 strike days, indicating a sustained period of unrest within the Belgian railway system.
The Autonomous Union of Train Drivers is also gearing up for significant strike actions, planning six days of strikes in April, followed by two-week strike periods each month from May. The union claims politicians have remained unresponsive to their various grievances, hence the need for continued industrial action.
As the strike unfolds, commuters are left grappling with uncertainty regarding their daily journeys, prompting many to prepare alternative travel arrangements. The ongoing labor unrest underscores deeper issues within the Belgian rail industry, indicating unresolved disputes over employee rights and systemic reforms. The implications of such strikes not only disrupt rail networks but also poignantly highlight the complexities of labor relations within one of the country's vital transport sectors.
