In July, the Council of State dismissed a train driver’s case seeking to overturn his dismissal, according to reports from Sudinfo and L’Avenir on Friday.
The driver was dismissed in December 2024 after recording and live-streaming a video on TikTok while operating a train between Geraardsbergen and Mons.
The SNCB justified the disciplinary action, stating the driver “did not perform his duties with the expected diligence and accuracy” and his actions “harmed the image of Belgian Railways.” Additionally, train operators are prohibited from using personal smartphones on board, even when stationary.
The driver appealed to the Council of State to suspend and annul the decision, arguing that his phone was fixed on a tripod and he was fully focused on driving. He also claimed that his interactions with viewers occurred only when the train was stationary and argued that he was promoting his profession without damaging the railway’s image.
However, the Council of State rejected his arguments, ruling that the railway worker exhibited “extremely irresponsible and dangerous behaviour” that indeed “tarnished” the image of Belgian Railways and the SNCB. His request to suspend the sanction was denied, with the appeal for annulment to be reviewed later.
