National strike on 29 April: Public transport, services and flights affected

A new national strike on 29 April will cause severe disruption to public transport, government services and flights at Zaventem and Charleroi airports, according to local media.

The widespread union action will also bring some businesses to a standstill, while some public hospitals are due to offer only minimal services.

Demonstrations are planned in cities around the country, including Brussels, Antwerp, Charleroi, Hasselt, Liège, Namur, Tournai and Mons.

The protests led by the socialist FGTB and Christian CSC unions are against policy measures planned by Belgium’s new federal government, especially those related to reducing pension amounts and raising the retirement age.

A public transport strike was already planned for 29 April, which has now being expanded to all public services. By staging it a few days before Labour Day on 1 May, unions intend to send a strong signal to politicians that workers are mobilised across the country, reports RTBF.

Public transport disruption

SNCB national rail says its services will be affected by the strike for 24 hours from 28 April at 22.00. Six out of 10 IC trains are due to run, while five out of 10 L and S trains and very few P trains will run.

The rail company advises travellers to consult its journey planner via its website or SNCB app. "The adapted offer will be visible 24 hours in advance in the journey planner," it says.

Significant disruption is also expected on Brussels’ bus, metro, and tram network, says Stib. The public transport company aims to ensure part of its service is maintained and will inform passengers in real time of the situation. However, it encourages people to plan alternative travel solutions if possible.

The TEC bus network in Wallonia says on its Facebook page that disruption is expected and updates on cancelled routes will be available on its website and the TEC app.

Flemish public transport company De Lijn says, "fewer bus and tram journeys will be made that day throughout Flanders" and refers travellers to its website or app.

Some flights cancelled

Brussels Airport estimates that nearly 30% of passenger flights departing from Brussels Airport will be cancelled. There is also a risk of delays or cancellations of arriving flights, it advises.

All flights departing from Charleroi Airport will be cancelled, although arriving flights will continue to operate, the airport has announced. Passengers scheduled to take off from the airport will be contacted by their airline regarding rebooking or a refund.

Ryanair says it has been forced to cancel some flights to and from Brussels Airport and all flights departing from Charleroi Airport due to the national strike. Flights arriving at Brussels Airport are unaffected, it points out. 

Public services

Disruptions are expected in municipal, provincial, regional, and federal administrations, as well as in the justice system.

Postal services in Belgium are also expected to be affected by the strike. Several public hospitals are already planning to operate a minimum service. Prisons are likely to operate at reduced capacity, resulting in few or no visits.

Citizens are advised to check in advance before consulting a public service on Tuesday.

Private businesses

Some private businesses will operate at reduced capacity or even at a standstill as the day of action includes the participation of workers and employees who have the right to strike.

Several employer associations and social security companies advise members not to use temporary workers to replace strikers. Only non-profit employers can requisition staff to provide minimum service.

Excuse not to work?

Can the strike be used as an excuse for not working on the day? The answer is a resounding no, provided that "the strike has been announced for several days and begins before the worker leaves home to go to work."

In this case, "the worker is obligated to make every effort to arrive at the workplace and begin their work at the appointed time," says social security company Securex.

A non-striking worker who cannot justify their absence from work will not be paid, it points out.

The FGTB union has announced two further days of action. The first will be a "strong union action" on 27 June; the second is planned as a "major demonstration" on 22 September.

Photo: Union action in Antwerp on 31 March 2025 ©Belga/Tijs Vanderstappen