Train services across Belgium will be reduced on Monday evening and Tuesday due to a national strike by public sector workers. Other public transport services are also expected to be severely disrupted, although air travel is unlikely to be affected.
On Tuesday 20 May, trade unions will once again take action against the Belgian federal government’s reform plans, this time focusing on public services. The strike has been organised by the ACOD civil servants’ union, who argue that the government’s austerity measures will hit the public sector particularly hard.
The railway company NMBS has arranged an alternative train service from Monday at 22.00 until Tuesday. Only three out of five intercity trains, one out of two local and suburban trains, and a few rush-hour trains will run on Tuesday.
Impact on childcare and education
NMBS advises passengers to plan their journeys carefully and check the online travel planner, where the alternative schedule will be available from Monday morning. Metro, tram and bus services in Brussels and Flanders are also expected to be seriously disrupted.
Local authorities have warned that rubbish collection, recycling centres and sports facilities may be disrupted as well. The strike will also impact childcare, education and postal services. Operators at Brussels and Charleroi airports do not expect any impact on flight schedules.
