Belgium: Severe disruptions expected during general strike on February 13 /update 2

Event

Significant transportation and flight disruptions are expected during a strike scheduled for Wednesday, February 13. Major labor unions are organizing the strike to call for wage increases after talks with the Central Economic Council failed on January 22. Officials at Brussel Airport (BRU) have announced that flight disruptions (including delays and cancellations) are expected on February 13, as airport staff is expected to participate in the strike. Brussels Airlines, operating out of BRU, announced it has canceled some 222 flights scheduled for February 13. In addition, TUI fly Deutschland has announced it will reroute flights scheduled at BRU to Lille Airport (LIL), Paris Orly Airport (ORY), Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST), Eindhoven Airport (EIN), and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS).

Employees at Belgium's national railway operator (SNCB) are also expected to participate in the strike along with employees at the Walloon Regional Transport Company (TEC), the Flemish De Lijn public transportation operator, and the Brussels Intercommunal Transport Company (STIB). Furthermore, unions representing police officers, medical workers, and firefighters have announced they will take part in the work stoppage. Demonstrations are possible in major urban centers. A heightened security presence, as well as associated transportation and business disruptions, are expected near any demonstration.

Advice

Individuals in Belgium are advised to monitor developments to the situation, to confirm their travel itineraries, to allow for extra time to reach their destinations, and avoid associated demonstrations.