Belgian Railway Strikes Set to Disrupt Spring Travel

Belgian Railway Strikes Disrupt Travel Plans. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Several Belgian railway unions coordinate to intensify Belgian railway strikes this spring. They reduce strike days and boost disruptions significantly.

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A week-long rail strike currently disrupts travel, ending with a nationwide stoppage on March 31. Next, various unions plan alternating actions, affecting train operations sporadically through July.

Belgium’s leading railway unions, ACOD Spoor and ACV-Transcom, schedule 18 strike days before July. Meanwhile, the smaller ASTB-SACT targets six days in April and two weeks monthly thereafter.

Because current strike plans create chaos, unions now collaborate to organize more effectively. They seek to consolidate efforts and enhance coordination across all involved groups.

Instead of numerous scattered strike days, unions propose fewer but highly synchronized actions. Consequently, these disruptions could significantly halt train traffic across Belgium’s network.

However, opinions differ on forming a unified union front for stronger impact. One union claims a “new common trade union front” already exists, yet others remain cautious.

VSOA-Spoor’s federal chair, Werner Baetsleer, says discussions continue, but outcomes stay uncertain. Similarly, CGSP Cheminots’ Pierre Lejeune predicts a consensus might emerge soon.

Belgian Railway Strikes Unite Unions

ACV-Transcom’s Koen De Mey confirms five of six unions support this joint effort. Yet, Metisp-Protect, currently striking for a week, has not committed to joining.

If successful, VSOA-Spoor, OVS, and ASTB will align with ACOD Spoor’s strike dates. They plan actions on April 8, 15, 22, and 29 across various districts.

Pierre Lejeune explains strikes will start in the southeast and northwest on April 8. Then, the center, southwest, and northeast follow, culminating in a nationwide halt on April 29.

Because strike notices cover the entire network, disruptions could spread beyond planned regions. Thus, all railway workers might participate, amplifying the actions’ reach and effect.

Unions protest Federal Government policies, including retirement age hikes and budget reductions. They also oppose potential cuts to HR Rail, the railway staff’s legal employer.

Belgian Railway Strikes Target Government Reforms

On Friday, unions will negotiate with railway directors and Minister Jean-Luc Crucke. These talks aim to address urgent issues and possibly avert further strike escalations.

Coordinated actions could pressure the government to reconsider its controversial rail policies. For now, travelers brace for significant delays across Belgium’s rail system.

Railway unions hope unified action strengthens their stance against proposed government reforms. And so, they continue refining plans to maximize impact while minimizing strike days.

Travelers and businesses must prepare for potential delays as unions finalize their strategy. Because of this, Belgium’s rail network faces an uncertain but turbulent spring season.

Source: www.brusselstimes.com

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