Belgium unions raged today because NMBS/SNCB chose Spain’s CAF for trains. The decision stunned workers, and protests erupted fast. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Belgia unions raged today because NMBS/SNCB tapped Spain’s CAF for trains. The railway’s choice over France’s Alstom triggered massive discontent
Source, photo: www.belganewsagency.eu

The national railway company picked CAF over France’s Alstom, so 3,000 Belgian jobs face risks. NMBS/SNCB explained EU rules stop them favoring local firms or boosting the economy.

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Late 2022 kicked off the MR30 contract tender, and three companies jumped in quick. SNCB favored CAF’s bid, for it mixed solid price and top quality well.

CAF’s offer wasn’t cheapest, yet SNCB valued it to dodge future delivery snags. They insisted higher quality ensures success, and that clinched CAF’s win.

Belgium Unions Push Back Hard

Unions at Alstom’s Bruges hub slammed the call, because job losses loom large now. Christoph Flokman of ACV Metea said they banked on this for Bruges.

“This hit us like thunder, and we won’t be Audi Brussels’ next chapter,” he warned. He cited layoffs there and Van Hool, pressing SNCB to flip fast.

Alstom’s Bruges plant hires 700 to 800, crafting M7 carriages and fixing locomotives. Unions said the M7 deal runs to April 2026, and they seek more.

They pushed Alstom’s cheaper bid, urging SNCB to rethink before locking CAF in. However, NMBS/SNCB stuck tight, praising CAF’s edge in quality overall.

Belgium Jobs Hang in Balance

Anger swelled as unions rallied, for losing this threatens Bruges’ stability real soon. Flokman stressed they pinned hopes here, and now dread echoes other flops.

SNCB argued CAF’s plan delivers trusty trains, so quality beats price every time. Still, unions claimed local jobs outweigh that, demanding a quick U-turn now.

The choice rocked beyond Bruges, and Alstom’s 3,000-strong workforce felt it hard. Many asked why EU rules trump home industry, yet SNCB stood firm.

Talks with CAF roll on, but unions swore to fight since nothing’s final yet. They aim to sway SNCB, and pray Alstom gets another shot.

Belgium’s rail future rides on this, and CAF’s trains will hit tracks soon. Unions see gloom ahead, so they hustle to save jobs at all costs.

Alstom’s Bruges crew stays busy now, yet workers fear what’s post-April 2026.

Source, photo: www.belganewsagency.eu

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