Upcoming Rolling Strike Among Belgian Railway Workers
Two smaller railway unions – ASTB and OVS – have given notice of a rolling strike in the second week of September.
The notice submitted on behalf of all railway employees indicates a strike from 22:00 on 7 September to 22:00 on 13 September. This rolling strike will see employees taking turns to halt work.
Rail operator SNCB/NMBS, infrastructure manager Infrabel, and HR Rail, the legal employer of railway staff, have condemned the decision as “totally irresponsible and disproportionate.”
An alternative timetable will be in effect during the strikes. Rail staff will be required to confirm their availability, and services will be organized accordingly.
In a Facebook statement announcing the strike notice, ASTB highlighted grievances including the requirement for railway workers to “work longer for less pay” and a freeze on pay scales after 29 years of service.
This year has already witnessed over 20 days of strikes within the rail sector, the most recent occurring at the end of April. Unions are mobilizing against a series of reforms proposed by the federal government, which include pension reforms and budget cuts to railway services.
Agreement Rejected
Discussions have been held with the federal government and Mobility minister Jean-Luc Crucke. A preliminary agreement had been reached among the largest railway unions – ACOD Spoor, ACV-Transcom, and VSOA-Spoor – but it was rebuffed by their rank-and-file members at the end of May.
The rejected agreement encompassed personnel management, legal responsibilities, and proposed modernization of the status of railway personnel.
Consultations are ongoing with the relevant minister, Jan Jambon, regarding pension plans that suggest raising the retirement age.
A conciliation meeting will be scheduled in the coming days.
