Belgian rail union files three-day strike notice for end of January

Socialist rail union CGSP Cheminots/ACOD Spoor is threatening a 72-hours strike from 29 January to 1 February, reports RTBF.

In deposing the strike notice, the union denounced "unilateral decisions" by national rail companies. It called on HR-Rail to take "all initiatives to respectfully reactivate social consultation within the Belgian railways".

Christian rail union ACV Transcom and liberal union SLFP Cheminots/VSOA Spoor have decided not to take part in the strike, considering it premature.

If the strike goes ahead, it will be the third in three months. In November and December there were 48-hour rail strikes in protest at SNCB’s efficiency drive.

According to CGSP Cheminots, social dialogue is disintegrating. It called for a “freeze” on new efficiency drives and is concerned about the well-being of staff, employment, statutory recruitment and a quality service “that is also viable for passengers”.

The strike action would start on 29 January at 22.00 and end on 1 February at 22.00.