Genk – De Lijn bus drivers in Genk held a spontaneous strike on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, protesting against outdated interrupted shifts and increased workloads. Union representative Leon Versluys is calling for full-time schedules and an improved work-life balance, reports 24brussels.
Drivers at the De Lijn bus depot in Winterslag walked off the job in the morning, citing the inefficiencies of their current shift system. Many drivers face interrupted shifts, working during peak hours yet enduring long breaks in the afternoon. This structure, originally designed to manage peak travel times effectively, has become counterproductive, according to the workers.
Some drivers must commute back to the depot during the long break, making it impractical for those living far away. They have expressed a desire to spend more time with their families, which the existing schedule significantly hampers.
“For years, disgruntled drivers have been asking for something to be done about this.”
Versluys stated, highlighting ongoing frustrations among the workforce. He also noted issues related to schedule notifications: “Because of the cuts, timetables are often only announced on the day itself. People can no longer plan anything and have no social life anymore,” he added.
Why did De Lijn drivers in Genk walk out over shifts and workload?
The strike, announced without prior notice, significantly disrupted the city’s transport services, especially for buses traveling to and from Genk. Jens Van Herp, a spokesperson for De Lijn, confirmed that some drivers resumed work after a social consultation, but further disruptions remain possible during the afternoon and evening rush hours. Despite the strike, services are anticipated to return to normal by Thursday, October 16, 2025.
A new meeting with management is scheduled for Friday, October 17, 2025. Versluys emphasized the goal of transitioning interrupted shifts into equitable full-time schedules. He reiterated that drivers have long sought improvements to their work conditions.
“Drivers want schedules that are fair and attractive, not just in Limburg but across Flanders,”
he remarked. De Lijn has confirmed its commitment to continue consultations with drivers to address their grievances.
This incident mirrors prior strikes at De Lijn depots, including a spontaneous work stoppage on May 25, 2022, triggered by the assault of a colleague. That strike led to service disruptions across Limburg as drivers halted routes mid-journey, prompting similar actions at other depots. A previous incident on March 29, 2019, involved drivers in Merksem, Antwerp, walking out following an attack on a colleague.
