Train strike to start on Thursday night

The socialist union representing workers at rail authority SNCB is staging a 48-hour strike starting at 22.00 on Thursday. Although only one union is downing tools, delays and cancellations are expected across the network. 

For the first time, SNCB is organising a service schedule that will be enforced during the strike. The adapted schedule will be published before the strike starts on Thursday evening, according to the authority. This means that commuters can check if and when their train will arrive before heading to the station on Friday morning.

This is the authority’s first attempt at conforming to new federal government regulations requiring it to provide minimum service during strikes. SNCB unions strike regularly; the last strike was in February.

According to SNCB unions, the requirement to deliver a minimum service guarantee is not in keeping with laws governing the right to strike. They have taken the issue to the Constitutional Court, which has not yet delivered a decision.

The strike this week by the ACOD union is in protest at rail personnel not being included on the federal government’s list of arduous or hazardous occupations for public sector employees. The list, currently being compiled, includes such jobs as police officer and teacher and comes with a special set of labour regulations, such as the ability to retire early.

Photo: Virginie Lefour/BELGA