31 Mar 2021 | 04:09 PM UTC
Belgium: Customs staff threaten nationwide walkouts from April 7
Customs staff in Belgium threaten to strike at ports of entry April 7; processing delays likely if action proceeds.
Event
Customs officers affiliated with the General Union of Public Services (Algemene Centrale der Openbare Diensten, ACOD) have threatened to strike, including at airports nationwide, from April 7 as part of a dispute over working conditions. The union has warned it could hold weekly 24-hour strikes should the dispute not be resolved.
While lower traveler numbers due to the COVID-19 pandemic will likely mitigate any related disruptions, longer wait times are likely at international entry points should the strike proceed; lengthy queues are possible at security and passport screening points for international flights connecting with non-EEA and Schengen countries. Delays to maritime freight are also possible. Residual disruptions could extend beyond the official strike dates as authorities clear any backlog.
Advice
Liaise with trusted contacts and monitor local media for updates on the status of the strike action. Allow additional time to pass through customs checks if traveling to or from Belgium on strike days. Maintain flexible schedules if routing freight through Belgium.
