Belgium’s train services are expected to face disruptions during the second week of September as railway staff prepare to strike.
Two smaller unions, the Independent Train Drivers’ Union (SACT) and the Independent Railway Workers’ Union (SIC), have filed strike notices. The strike is set to run from 22:00 on Sunday, 7 September, to 22:00 on Saturday, 13 September.
Belgium has already experienced around 20 days of rail strikes this year, the most recent of which took place in April.
The unions are protesting against federal government reforms affecting the rail system.
“The judiciary, teachers, the military, and the police have seen progress, but the rail sector is being neglected,” the SACT said in a statement on Sunday.
The union highlighted several issues, including pay scale stagnation after 29 years of service, the lack of end-of-career arrangements for train staff, and fears of further budget cuts at SNCB, Belgium’s national railway company.
During rail strikes, a minimum service is maintained, and staff must declare in advance whether they will be working.
Earlier this year, negotiations were held between Mobility Minister Jean-Luc Crucke (Les Engagés) and major railway unions, including the CGSP, CSC, and SLFP. These talks resulted in a preliminary agreement, but union members rejected it in late May.
The proposed agreement addressed topics such as personnel management, legal responsibilities, and modernising staff statutes.
Discussions regarding pension schemes for railway workers are ongoing with Finance and Pensions Minister Jan Jambon (N-VA).
