6 Jul '18

UPDATE: Train strike on Tuesday and Wednesday

Summary

Two rail unions are downing tools this week in protest at the re-evaluation of their profession

 

Adapted schedule

Two unions representing workers with the rail authority NMBS are striking on 10 and 11 July. NMBS has announced that two in three trains will be cancelled.

The strike will start with the first trains on Tuesday morning and end with the last trains on Wednesday night. NMBS will publish an adapted schedule with expected train service on Monday.

The rail authority will once again use the new minimum service regulation handed down by the federal government that requires a certain number of trains and routes to be provided during strikes.

The OVS and ASTB unions are protesting against how train drivers jobs are being re-evaluated, including not being included on the list of “hazardous occupations”.

Photo: Nicolas Maeterlinck/BELGA

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NMBS

Belgium’s national railway system was established in 1926 and is the sole provider of passenger train traffic in the country.
Overhaul - Starting in 2014, the railway system will operate under a two-pronged structure with transport division NMBS and infrastructure operator Infrabel. The umbrella organisation, NMBS Holding, will disappear.
Trio - NMBS comprises three organisational units: NMBS Mobility, NMBS Europe and NMBS Technics.
Criticism - The rail authority has frequently made headlines with continuing delays. The most common causes for delays are malfunctioning trains and infrastructure glitches.
223

million travellers in 2012

87

percent of trains on time in 2012

43

percent increase in female employees since 2005

  • NMBS
  • SNCB Europe
  • Visit Flanders

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