Belgian transport strikes and government response

Live UpdatesLast updated JUN 13
SUMMARY

Belgian transport workers are planning a strike for June 10, 2026, which is expected to disrupt regional and long-distance train services, following a general strike on June 6, 2026, that significantly impacted train operations. As of June 13, 2026, new labor law reforms effective June 1, 2026, are fueling widespread protests and strikes against the government's socio-economic policies, including a 24-hour maritime pilots' strike on June 5, 2026, that disrupted ports like Antwerp-Bruges. Engineering works are also scheduled throughout June and July 2026, affecting high-speed lines and rerouting international trains. The Belgian Foreign Office has issued a travel warning to Britons regarding ongoing national strike action.

Timeline

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June 2026 — 9 developments

  1. A strike is planned for June 10, 2026, potentially disrupting regional and long-distance train services.

    A strike is planned for June 10, 2026, potentially disrupting regional and long-distance train services. Engineering works are also scheduled throughout June and July 2026, affecting high-speed lines and rerouting international trains.

  2. New labor law reforms in Belgium, effective June 1, 2026, include changes to notice periods, night work, and part-time work.

    New labor law reforms in Belgium, effective June 1, 2026, include changes to notice periods, night work, and part-time work. These reforms are occurring amidst widespread protests and strikes against the government's socio-economic policies and austerity measures, with clashes reported in Brussels on June 4, 2026.

  3. A general strike called by the CGTP on June 6, 2026, saw high participation in the transport sector, impacting train services with minimum operations.

    A general strike called by the CGTP on June 6, 2026, saw high participation in the transport sector, impacting train services with minimum operations. This strike is part of ongoing disruptions affecting Belgium's railway services.

  4. EuroCity and Eurocity Direct trains will have restricted itineraries from June 6-7, 2026, due to planned engineering works on the Belgian railway network.

    EuroCity and Eurocity Direct trains will have restricted itineraries from June 6-7, 2026, due to planned engineering works on the Belgian railway network. OUIGO services between Brussels and Paris will be diverted, leading to longer journey times.

  5. No major railway strikes or disruptions have been reported in Belgium as of June 6, 2026, indicating a pause in the ongoing labor disputes affecting the sector.

    No major railway strikes or disruptions have been reported in Belgium as of June 6, 2026, indicating a pause in the ongoing labor disputes affecting the sector. However, other industrial actions and labor disputes remain active across different sectors.

  6. Workers at Plasman, a Volvo Cars Ghent supplier, voted on a social agreement on June 5, 2026, to potentially end their strike, which had previously halted production.

    Workers at Plasman, a Volvo Cars Ghent supplier, voted on a social agreement on June 5, 2026, to potentially end their strike, which had previously halted production. The maritime pilots' strike protesting pension reforms continued, causing disruptions at ports like Antwerp-Bruges.

  7. Belgium's maritime pilots launched a 24-hour strike on June 5, 2026, over pension reforms, causing s…

    Belgium's maritime pilots launched a 24-hour strike on June 5, 2026, over pension reforms, causing significant disruptions at major ports like Antwerp-Bruges and impacting ship movements. The Belgian Foreign Office has issued a travel warning to Britons, advising them of widespread disruption from ongoing national strike action.

  8. Rail services across Belgium experienced significant delays on June 4, 2026, due to a two-day strike…

    Rail services across Belgium experienced significant delays on June 4, 2026, due to a two-day strike over worker discontent with changes to time off for overtime and dissatisfaction with a savings plan. Further rail disruptions are planned for June 16, 2026, in Namur.

May 2026 — 7 developments

  1. Belgian rail workers are set to strike again in June 2026 to protest socio-economic reforms, including changes to pension schemes and working conditions.

    Belgian rail workers are set to strike again in June 2026 to protest socio-economic reforms, including changes to pension schemes and working conditions. Unions are demanding better working conditions and wage indexation. Specific dates for the June strike are yet to be announced.

  2. Rail unions initiated another strike from May 26-29, 2026, causing disruptions between Nivelles/Nijv…

    Rail unions initiated another strike from May 26-29, 2026, causing disruptions between Nivelles/Nijvel and Charleroi-Central, and on IC trains between Antwerp-Central and Charleroi-Central. Delays were reported on the Belgian network and in the Channel Tunnel on May 28, 2026, affecting Eurostar and other international train services.

  3. Eurostar reported delays on the Belgian network on May 28, 2026, due to traffic issues.

    Eurostar reported delays on the Belgian network on May 28, 2026, due to traffic issues. This occurred amidst ongoing strikes affecting Belgian railways and public transport, protesting government budget cuts and labor reforms.

  4. Thousands marched in Brussels on May 13, 2026, protesting austerity reforms by the Federal Government.

    Thousands marched in Brussels on May 13, 2026, protesting austerity reforms by the Federal Government. Unions called for improved working conditions, a better pension scheme, and the continuation of full and automatic wage indexation. This demonstration followed a general strike on May 12, 2026.

  5. A nationwide strike on May 23, 2026, described as the largest of the year, led to the cancellation o…

    A nationwide strike on May 23, 2026, described as the largest of the year, led to the cancellation of all departures from Brussels Airport and significant disruptions at Charleroi Airport. The strike was organized by Belgium's three largest trade-union federations to protest federal budget cuts and labor-market reforms.

  6. A nationwide strike is planned for May 12, 2026, expected to cause widespread disruptions across various transport sectors, including rail, air, and urban transport.

    A nationwide strike is planned for May 12, 2026, expected to cause widespread disruptions across various transport sectors, including rail, air, and urban transport. This follows earlier strikes in January and March 2026, stemming from government reforms affecting railway workers' job security and pensions.

  7. Trade unions have called for a nationwide strike on May 12, 2026, to protest socio-economic reforms.

    Trade unions have called for a nationwide strike on May 12, 2026, to protest socio-economic reforms. The action is expected to cause significant disruptions, with Brussels Airport anticipating over 50% of its flights to be canceled, affecting around 325 departures. Brussels Airlines expects to cancel about 60% of its operations.

April 2026 — 3 developments

  1. A nationwide demonstration protesting austerity measures and government reforms occurred on March 12th, 2026, with around 50 arrests made.

    A nationwide demonstration protesting austerity measures and government reforms occurred on March 12th, 2026, with around 50 arrests made. This demonstration led to the closure of Brussels and Charleroi airports, with no flights departing. The events followed a three-day rail strike from March 8th to March 11th, during which a limited timetable was operated.

  2. Taxi drivers in Brussels went on strike on April 3, 2026, demanding reforms to their legal framework due to rising fuel prices and platform commissions.

    Taxi drivers in Brussels went on strike on April 3, 2026, demanding reforms to their legal framework due to rising fuel prices and platform commissions. This action follows a series of labor disputes affecting the railway sector.

  3. Trade unions have announced planned provincial days of action for April 2026 that will impact public transport, including trains.

    Trade unions have announced planned provincial days of action for April 2026 that will impact public transport, including trains. These actions are part of ongoing protests against government reforms.

March 2026 — 6 developments

  1. Belgian railway services continue to experience significant disruptions due to ongoing labor disputes and strikes protesting government reforms.

    Belgian railway services continue to experience significant disruptions due to ongoing labor disputes and strikes protesting government reforms. International train services including Eurostar, TGV INOUI, and ICE trains are affected by modified timetables, reduced frequencies, and occasional cancellations. Passengers are advised to check the latest information before traveling.

  2. Engineering works are scheduled to affect the Belgian rail network on March 28 and 29, 2026, adding to ongoing disruptions.

    Engineering works are scheduled to affect the Belgian rail network on March 28 and 29, 2026, adding to ongoing disruptions. This follows a nationwide demonstration on March 12, 2026, which saw 80,000 to 100,000 participants protesting government policies and causing significant impacts on public transport.

  3. Suspicious packages found at Brussels-Midi station on March 23, 2026, caused significant train traffic disruptions during the evening rush hour.

    Suspicious packages found at Brussels-Midi station on March 23, 2026, caused significant train traffic disruptions during the evening rush hour. The packages were later found to be harmless.

  4. Belgium experienced widespread disruptions on March 12 due to a nationwide strike protesting austerity measures and stalled wage-indexation talks.

    Belgium experienced widespread disruptions on March 12 due to a nationwide strike protesting austerity measures and stalled wage-indexation talks. Thousands demonstrated in Brussels, with only two metro lines operating and other public transport at reduced frequencies. Brussels Airport and Brussels South Charleroi Airport cancelled all departing passenger flights, and shipping activity was halted across Belgian ports.

  5. Belgian rail unions' strike will commence at 10:00 PM on March 8 and conclude at 10:00 PM on March 1…

    Belgian rail unions' strike will commence at 10:00 PM on March 8 and conclude at 10:00 PM on March 11, with the national railway operator NMBS/SNCB expecting approximately seven out of ten intercity trains to operate. Brussels Airport has announced the suspension of all departing passenger flights for 24 hours on March 12 due to the nationwide strike.

  6. Belgium faces four days of strike action next week, with a three-day train strike scheduled from March 8-11 to protest pension reforms and the end of permanent appointments.

    Belgium faces four days of strike action next week, with a three-day train strike scheduled from March 8-11 to protest pension reforms and the end of permanent appointments. On March 12, a national strike and demonstration will cause major disruptions to public transport in Brussels, and all departing flights are canceled at Brussels Airport.

February 2026 — 7 developments

  1. Belgian railway workers will strike for 72 hours from March 8-11, impacting the entire SNCB-NMBS network.

    Belgian railway workers will strike for 72 hours from March 8-11, impacting the entire SNCB-NMBS network. A nationwide general strike is scheduled for March 12, expected to cause severe disruptions. A conciliation meeting is planned between SNCB-NMBS and unions, with alternative service plans to be set up if the strike is confirmed.

  2. Belgian railway workers will strike from March 8-11, with the socialist union ACOD Spoor announcing a refined schedule.

    Belgian railway workers will strike from March 8-11, with the socialist union ACOD Spoor announcing a refined schedule. This action, protesting pension reforms and the abolition of permanent appointments, affects the entire SNCB-NMBS network. A separate nationwide general strike on March 12 is expected to severely disrupt air travel at Brussels Airport and Brussels South Charleroi Airport, with potential for near-total flight cancellations.

  3. Belgian railway workers are set to hold a nationwide strike from March 9-11, union ACOD Spoor announced.

    Belgian railway workers are set to hold a nationwide strike from March 9-11, union ACOD Spoor announced. The strike notice covers all employees of the Belgian Railways and its subsidiaries, affecting the entire network. This action follows a previous five-day strike at the end of January and protests government plans to end permanent appointments at the railways.

  4. Belgium's three main union federations have announced a 24-hour general strike for March 12, 2026, protesting government pension reforms and other socio-economic measures.

    Belgium's three main union federations have announced a 24-hour general strike for March 12, 2026, protesting government pension reforms and other socio-economic measures. The strike is expected to cause significant disruptions across public transport, including rail services, with the national rail operator SNCB anticipating only a "minimum service." Brussels Airport is also bracing for major impact, as ground staff, security agents, and air-traffic controllers are expected to participate.

  5. Belgium's largest trade unions have issued a 24-hour strike notice for a nationwide strike on March 12, 2026.

    Belgium's largest trade unions have issued a 24-hour strike notice for a nationwide strike on March 12, 2026. This industrial action is expected to halt all departing flights at Brussels Airport and cause significant disruptions across public services and the transport industry, including rail links. The strike is part of escalating union mobilization against federal government policies.

  6. The Council of State has rejected a railway union's appeal to accept a three-day strike notice planned for February.

    The Council of State has rejected a railway union's appeal to accept a three-day strike notice planned for February. HR Rail had previously refused the notice, deeming it disproportionate and irresponsible.

January 2026 — 6 developments

  2. The Belgian government has announced plans for additional investments in railway infrastructure, funded by savings from delayed projects.

    The Belgian government has announced plans for additional investments in railway infrastructure, funded by savings from delayed projects. This announcement comes amidst ongoing labor disputes and strikes affecting the rail sector, aiming to improve the network and address worker dissatisfaction.

  4. Belgian rail unions filed an urgent appeal with the Council of State on January 29 after HR Rail rej…

    Belgian rail unions filed an urgent appeal with the Council of State on January 29 after HR Rail rejected their strike notice for February 5, 10, and 12, claiming unions skipped mandatory consultation steps. Unions argue this rejection undermines social dialogue and free collective bargaining.

  6. A five-day nationwide rail strike began, severely disrupting train services across Belgium until Jan…

    A five-day nationwide rail strike began, severely disrupting train services across Belgium until January 30, in protest against government plans to reform railways, including abolishing automatic permanent appointments for new staff and EU-mandated liberalization.

December 2025 — 1 developments

November 2025 — 2 developments

  1. A national strike took place, involving both public and private sectors, as part of the ongoing protests against socio-economic reforms.

    A national strike took place, involving both public and private sectors, as part of the ongoing protests against socio-economic reforms.

  2. A three-day rail strike began, lasting until November 26, as unions escalated opposition to federal …

    A three-day rail strike began, lasting until November 26, as unions escalated opposition to federal government policies and budget cuts, affecting national and international services.

October 2025 — 1 developments

May 2025 — 1 developments

April 2025 — 2 developments

  1. Belgian railway unions planned alternating actions throughout April, culminating in a nationwide hal…

    Belgian railway unions planned alternating actions throughout April, culminating in a nationwide halt on April 29, protesting government policies including retirement age hikes and budget reductions.

March 2025 — 2 developments

  1. A week-long rail strike culminated in a nationwide stoppage, part of broader union actions against government policies.

    A week-long rail strike culminated in a nationwide stoppage, part of broader union actions against government policies.

  2. Another strike by NMBS/SNCB staff was announced for March 16-17, 2025, with potential impacts on international traffic.

    Another strike by NMBS/SNCB staff was announced for March 16-17, 2025, with potential impacts on international traffic.

February 2025 — 1 developments

  1. A strike by part of the NMBS/SNCB staff was announced to run from February 21 to March 2, 2025, impacting rail services.

    A strike by part of the NMBS/SNCB staff was announced to run from February 21 to March 2, 2025, impacting rail services.

January 2025 — 1 developments

  1. Belgium experienced a 24-hour nationwide rail strike against proposed pension reforms, significantly disrupting domestic and international public transport.

    Belgium experienced a 24-hour nationwide rail strike against proposed pension reforms, significantly disrupting domestic and international public transport.