Disruption to National Rail and Public Transport in Brussels on 13 January Due to Strike Action
-
Loading... - Jorge Mendez
- 08 Jan 2025
- 102 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
On 13 January, Belgium's national rail services and the Brussels public transport network (Stib) are set to experience significant disruptions due to a national strike. Railway workers' unions have filed a strike notice that will be in effect from 22:00 on 12 January until 22:00 on 13 January, as reported by RTBF.
The strike notice applies to personnel from SNCB (the National Railway Company of Belgium), Infrabel, and HR Rail, allowing union members to participate in a joint day of action focused on pension issues. A protest is scheduled to take place in front of Brussels' "pension tower," located near Midi station.
The unions are mobilizing to "denounce the decisions of the Arizona government, which aims to implement €3 billion in savings on pensions," according to the CGSP, the socialist union representing French-speaking SNCB staff. They are advocating for higher pensions and shorter working careers for their members, citing the demanding nature of their jobs.
In response to the strike, SNCB and Infrabel are working to develop an adapted rail service that will rely on non-striking staff members. The details of this modified transport plan will be communicated on Saturday and will also be available on the SNCB online travel planner starting Sunday.
Brussels' public transport operator, Stib, is also anticipating major disruptions across its network on 13 January. While the operator plans to maintain some level of metro, tram, and bus services, it has advised passengers to stay informed about real-time updates regarding the situation. Information will be available through Stib's website, mobile application, public display screens at stops and stations, and social media channels.
Stib's Customer Care will be operational from 6:00 on Monday to address inquiries via social media and telephone at 070 23 2000. However, the network encourages the public to consider alternative travel arrangements in Brussels on the day of the strike.
As the strike approaches, commuters are advised to plan ahead and stay updated on service changes to minimize disruptions to their travel plans.
