Many train controllers in Belgium have decided to stop checking checking passengers’ tickets in a “silent” protest against recent acts of violence against railway staff, Günther Blauwens, president from the CGSP Cheminots union confirmed on Saturday,
Train staff have increasingly been attacked by passengers in recent incidents, including in Liege, Kortrijk and Lier.
While some officers still do their usual rounds on the trains, they are not checking if a passenger has a valid train ticket.
“This is not really a strike, but a silent protest against acts of violence. It is an internal initiative. The unions are not in charge, but we understand (the discontent),” Blauwens said.
The train controllers protest action will continue until 15 February.
