Belgium: Unionized rail transport workers plan nationwide strike Jan. 12-13

Unionized rail transport workers plan to strike nationwide from 22:00 Jan. 12 to 22:00 Jan. 13. Members of the CGSP-Cheminots and CSC-Transcom labor unions will denounce planned pension reforms. The strike will impact SNCB, Infrabel, and HR Rail network and rolling stock operations.

Striking workers plan to demonstrate from 10:30 on Jan. 13 at the State Pension Service building, adjacent to the Gare du Midi. It is possible that several thousand union members will take part in the event.

Unless averted, the strike will likely cause severe disruptions to rail services across Belgium. The strike may also prompt increased traffic congestion and demand for alternative public transportation. Services which do operate are likely to be more congested than usual. Lingering disruptions may occur after the strike ends. Demonstrations are possible outside transport depots. Additional police will likely be deployed to monitor all protests; related security measures may lead to localized transport disruptions.