The Foreign Office has issued a fresh warning to Brits planning a trip to Belgium, as the country is set for a week of ‘severe travel disruption’ due to strikes.
Train services are expected to be the most affected by the industrial action which began yesterday and will run until next week.
“Rail unions plan to strike on 22 and 29 April,” the UK Government department has warned. “There may be significant disruption across the rail network. A general strike is planned for 29 April and may cause severe travel disruption across the entire country.”
Strikes in Belgium are typically flagged as a recurring issue that can impact both local and international journeys. These industrial actions, often targeting major urban areas, can be announced with little notice, and there’s always a chance that planned strikes could unexpectedly extend.
Strike days have also seen demonstrations and protests break out simultaneously. Britons travelling to Belgium are advised to watch local media and liaise with their travel operators to stay updated on any changes. Despite a reduced service, Belgian Railways plans to operate an ‘alternative service’ based on available staff.
The strikes this week are likely to be followed by more over the summer. “It’s a marathon” rather than a sprint, a union source told Le Soir newspaper this week. The FGTB union is also planning strikes on June 27, as well as a major demonstration for September 22.
In a recent update on April 20, the rail company announced: “Due to a strike action announced by five trade unions against measures included in the government agreement, train availability will be limited from Monday 21, April, from 10 PM, to Tuesday, 22 April (last train). The alternative service will be visible 24 hours in advance in the journey planner on this website and in the SNCB-NMBS app. For information on international traffic, please visit the SNCB-NMBS International website. Beyond this, visitors can use regional websites such as Brussels, Walloon and Flemish for localised updates.”
The transport strikes in Belgium have erupted just months after a massive public outcry over proposed pension changes. According to Reuters, the reforms incentivise working beyond the point of retirement with ’35 years of service’, while penalising those who don’t hit the 35-year mark.
The demonstrations evolved into a several-day strike, causing an upheaval in travel that saw the cancellation of hundreds of flights. Protesters were also witnessed setting off fireworks, while police reportedly used tear gas and water cannons on crowds that gathered outside the headquarters of political party, MR.
The Foreign Office has issued a warning, noting: “Demonstrations and strikes often take place in major cities, particularly in transport hubs and around the Schuman area (EU quarter) in Brussels. Most demonstrations are peaceful, but there is a risk of unrest or violence. There has also been violence following major sporting fixtures. Demonstrations by farmers can block major roads and delay traffic. Demonstrations in the Schuman area can affect access to the British Embassy and the British Consulate General.”
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