16
Mar 2025
12:24 UTC
Belgium Tactical: Unionized railway workers to strike nationwide from 22:00 (local time) on March 16; reconfirm itineraries
Current Situation
- Unionized railway workers at Belgium’s national rail operator, Societe Nationale des Chemins de Fer Belges (SNCB), plan to stage a nationwide strike from 22:00 (local time) on March 16, throughout March 17.
- The unions participating in the strike actions are Confederation des Syndicats Chretiens (CSC) – Transcom and Centrale Generale des Services Publics (CGSP) Cheminots.
- SNCB expects significant disruptions to regional, national and international services during the strike period. Further details regarding the impact of the strike action can be found here (in French).
- Eurostar services from and to Belgium will also be impacted on March 17 and 18. Details are available here.
- The strike actions aim to oppose pension reforms, increased productivity demands, and cuts to rail staff, including the potential dissolution of HR-Rail.
Source: SNCB
Assessments & Forecast
- Based on precedent, the proposed labor actions are expected to be widely adhered to.
- As such, significant disruptions to rail travel, including last-minute cancellations and delays, are anticipated during the strike period on national as well as international routes.
- Overcrowding on other available public transport services are likely to occur in areas experiencing significant travel disruptions. Additionally, traffic congestion on major motorways is likely as more commuters will potentially resort to personal vehicles. Residual disruptions are anticipated to persist on March 18 after the strike ends.
- Although no associated demonstrations have been announced as of writing, pickets and spontaneous protest actions are likely to be held in the vicinity of major train stations, including in Brussels, during the strike. Such protests are likely to transpire largely peacefully.
Recommendations
- Those operating or residing in Belgium on March 16-17 are advised to reconfirm itineraries due to the slated rail strikes and allot for associated travel disruptions.
- Those intending to travel with Eurostar via Belgium on March 16-18 are advised to reconfirm itineraries due to the strike.
COUNTRY RISK LEVEL
Low
AFFECTED AREA
Belgium
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL
Low
STRENGTH OF SOURCE
Confirmed
Current Situation
- Unionized railway workers at Belgium’s national rail operator, Societe Nationale des Chemins de Fer Belges (SNCB), plan to stage a nationwide strike from 22:00 (local time) on March 16, throughout March 17.
- The unions participating in the strike actions are Confederation des Syndicats Chretiens (CSC) – Transcom and Centrale Generale des Services Publics (CGSP) Cheminots.
- SNCB expects significant disruptions to regional, national and international services during the strike period. Further details regarding the impact of the strike action can be found here (in French).
- Eurostar services from and to Belgium will also be impacted on March 17 and 18. Details are available here.
- The strike actions aim to oppose pension reforms, increased productivity demands, and cuts to rail staff, including the potential dissolution of HR-Rail.
Source: SNCB
Assessments & Forecast
- Based on precedent, the proposed labor actions are expected to be widely adhered to.
- As such, significant disruptions to rail travel, including last-minute cancellations and delays, are anticipated during the strike period on national as well as international routes.
- Overcrowding on other available public transport services are likely to occur in areas experiencing significant travel disruptions. Additionally, traffic congestion on major motorways is likely as more commuters will potentially resort to personal vehicles. Residual disruptions are anticipated to persist on March 18 after the strike ends.
- Although no associated demonstrations have been announced as of writing, pickets and spontaneous protest actions are likely to be held in the vicinity of major train stations, including in Brussels, during the strike. Such protests are likely to transpire largely peacefully.
Recommendations
- Those operating or residing in Belgium on March 16-17 are advised to reconfirm itineraries due to the slated rail strikes and allot for associated travel disruptions.
- Those intending to travel with Eurostar via Belgium on March 16-18 are advised to reconfirm itineraries due to the strike.
COUNTRY RISK LEVEL
Low
AFFECTED AREA
Belgium
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL
Low
STRENGTH OF SOURCE
Confirmed
Related Reports
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ProtestBelgium Tactical: Anti-war activists to protest at Carrefour de l'Europe in Brussels from 17:30 (local time) on March 28; maintain heightened vigilance -
Labor ActionBelgium Tactical: Unionized rail workers to hold seven-day nationwide strike from 22:00 (local time) on March 23; allot for disruptions -
Labor ActionBelgium Tactical: Strike action by port pilots prompts disruptions at ports in Antwerp, Ghent as of afternoon hours (local time) on March 21; allot for disruptions
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ProtestEurope Tactical: Anti-racism protests slated regionwide on March 22-23; maintain heightened vigilance
Related Reports
Belgium
-
ProtestBelgium Tactical: Anti-war activists to protest at Carrefour de l'Europe in Brussels from 17:30 (local time) on March 28; maintain heightened vigilance
-
Labor ActionBelgium Tactical: Unionized rail workers to hold seven-day nationwide strike from 22:00 (local time) on March 23; allot for disruptions
-
Labor ActionBelgium Tactical: Strike action by port pilots prompts disruptions at ports in Antwerp, Ghent as of afternoon hours (local time) on March 21; allot for disruptions
-
ProtestEurope Tactical: Anti-racism protests slated regionwide on March 22-23; maintain heightened vigilance