It is still difficult to predict the exact impact of the strike on train movements. It will depend on the extent to which the unions mobilise. The main CGSP and CSC unions have not yet mobilised. Only two smaller unions, SIC and SACT, are involved in the strike. Photo: Romain Gamba/Archives

It is still difficult to predict the exact impact of the strike on train movements. It will depend on the extent to which the unions mobilise. The main CGSP and CSC unions have not yet mobilised. Only two smaller unions, SIC and SACT, are involved in the strike. Photo: Romain Gamba/Archives

In a press release issued on Friday 21 February, the CFL announced that there would be disruption to train services from this Friday until Sunday 2 March inclusive. The 900,000 passengers who use Belgian trains every day are invited to consult the timetables on a daily basis to find out the impact on train movements.

Due to a strike led by trade unions, train services will be reduced from Friday 21 February (10pm) to Sunday 2 March inclusive, the SNCB and CFL announced on Friday. The SNCB plans to introduce an alternative train service, “depending on the presence of staff,” it says on its website.

On the belgiantrain.be website, there will be a daily update on the impact of the strike. Passengers will be able to check traffic plans 24 hours in advance. It should be noted that “the impact of the strike will be greater during the week than on the weekends.”

The CFL also undertakes to “integrate the information published by the SNCB concerning the impact of the strike in Belgium into their timetable search as soon as possible.” They also point out that replacement buses are still in place this weekend of 22 and 23 February to replace trains on the Luxembourg-Kleinbettingen-Arlon line.

The strike is being led by two independent rail unions (SIC and SACT) to protest against measures included in the government agreement. The main unions, CGSP and CSC, are not yet involved in the action. Consultations are due to take place with the federal government. “The SNCB, Infrabel and HR Rail consider these actions to be unacceptable, irresponsible and out of proportion,” the rail operator’s website states.

This article was originally published in .

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