Belgium: Transport unions stage nationwide strike on September 28

Event

Belgian transport labor unions have called for a nationwide day of strike action on Monday, September 28, in an effort to pressure employers to increase coronavirus disease (COVID-19) protective measures for workers. Unions are also demanding an increase in social welfare benefits and an increase in pensions. Significant disruptions to public transportation have been reported in Wallonia and Brussels. One in three busses operated by the TEC company, active in Wallonia, are reportedly not running, with the province of Liège the worst affected. Similarly, the STIB/MIVB in Brussels has reported significant delays and several closures on metro and tram lines. Commuters have been asked to avoid using metro services in the capital due to overcrowding. However, the Flemish De Lijn transport company has not reported any disruptions, nor has the national railway company, the SNCB. Further strike action and protests are expected throughout the country, centering in major urban areas such as Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Liège, Mons, and Charleroi.

Disruptions to transportation are expected to continue for the duration of the strike action. A heightened security presence is likely at protest sites.  

Advice

Those in Belgium are advised to monitor local media sources in order to stay abreast of any developments regarding the strike-action and adjust their itineraries accordingly to account for the disruption to services.