Belgian transport strikes and government response

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SUMMARY

Belgian trade unions CSC and FGTB are planning to escalate protests against federal government policies after the summer, with potential actions in September and October, including a general strike. As of July 24, 2026, there are no major rail or public transport strikes reported, though rail services are impacted by ongoing engineering works and a firefighters' strike from July 21-22. Disruptions will continue throughout July and August due to maintenance, affecting services between Brussels-Luxembourg and Vilvoorde, and Brussels-Luxembourg and Leuven. This follows a Wallonia rail strike in mid-July and a Brussels public transport strike on July 6 by the CGSP against a hiring freeze.

Timeline

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July 2026 — 10 developments

  2. Belgian Rail Disruptions Due to Engineering Works, No Major Strikes Reported

    Rail services in Belgium will be impacted by engineering works on overhead lines on the weekends of July 25, August 1, and August 8, 2026, affecting services between Brussels-Luxembourg and Vilvoorde, and Brussels-Luxembourg and Leuven. There are no major rail or public transport strikes reported in Belgium today, July 24, 2026.

  3. Belgian Rail Services Disrupted by Firefighters' Strike, Engineering Works, and Accident

    Belgian rail services are experiencing disruptions due to ongoing engineering works and a firefighters' strike that occurred from July 21-22, 2026. An accident near Melle on July 22 further impacted train services, adding to existing travel delays.

  4. Belgian Unions Announce Post-Summer Protests Amidst Firefighter Strike and Rail Disruptions

    Belgian trade unions announced on July 22, 2026, that they will launch new protests after the summer against the federal government's policies, citing concerns about social dismantling and a lack of attention to workers' issues. This follows a 24-hour strike by Brussels firefighters from July 21-22, 2026, protesting staff shortages and worsening conditions.

  5. Belgian Unions Announce Post-Summer Protests, Rail Disruptions Expected

    Belgian trade unions have announced plans for new protests after the summer break, indicating potential for future disruptions. Reduced rail services are expected on Brussels' eastern ring in late July and early August 2026 due to essential maintenance work, and engineering works will impact the high-speed line between Brussels and the French border from August 6.

  6. Belgian Rail Strike Continues as Negotiations Begin to End Disruptions

    Negotiations to end the ongoing rail strike in Wallonia were scheduled to begin on Friday afternoon. The strike has caused a near-complete standstill of rail traffic in Wallonia and affected services in Flanders, stemming from worker discontent over proposed measures affecting overtime and a savings plan.

  8. Belgian Railways Face Disruptions from Strikes and Works in July-August

    Belgian railway network faces disruptions throughout July and August 2026 due to ongoing engineering works and potential strikes. These disruptions will affect various domestic and international routes, with some requiring bus replacements.

  9. Brussels Public Transport Disrupted July 7 By Strike Over Hiring Freeze

    The socialist union (CGSP) has announced a strike for Monday, July 7, 2026, which will disrupt public transport in Brussels. The strike is a protest against the Brussels government's hiring freeze, which prohibits new staff recruitment until at least the end of 2026.

  10. Belgian Unions Plan National Day of Action for June 25 Amidst Labor Concerns

    Belgian unions, including FGTB, CSC, and CGSLB, planned a national day of action for June 25, 2026. This action is part of an ongoing campaign addressing labor concerns.

June 2026 — 16 developments

  1. Belgian Prison Strike Begins Amidst Broader Labor Unrest and Heatwave Disruptions

    A nationwide prison strike commenced on June 29, 2026, with inmates protesting overcrowding and poor working conditions. This industrial action is part of a broader wave of labor unrest in Belgium, which has also seen trade unions organizing demonstrations against austerity measures and labor law reforms. These ongoing disputes have previously impacted public transportation, which was also affected by a severe heatwave causing train cancellations from June 25-27, 2026.

  2. Belgian public sector workers strike over austerity; heatwave disrupts railways

    Thousands of public sector workers in Brussels participated in a one-day strike on June 23, 2026, protesting austerity measures, job cuts, and underfunding of public services. Concurrently, the Belgian national railway operator SNCB canceled approximately 100 trains daily from June 23rd to June 25th due to a severe heatwave.

  3. Belgium faces public services strike on June 23, with more labor actions planned

    A public services strike is scheduled in Brussels on June 23, 2026, as part of a Europe-wide mobilization. Unions have also filed a strike notice for the Federal Judicial Police in Liège for June 22-26, 2026, and a strike is anticipated at the ExxonMobil refinery in Antwerp from June 27, 2026 onwards.

  6. Belgium: Unions Plan Brussels Strike on June 23 to Defend Public Services

    Trade union members are planning a strike across Brussels on June 23, 2026, to protest and defend public services and social protections as part of a broader campaign against austerity measures.

  8. Belgium faces planned June 10 strike and ongoing engineering works impacting rail 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.

  9. Belgium Implements New Labor Laws Amidst Widespread Strikes and Protests

    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.

  10. Belgium: General strike impacts transport sector, train services affected

    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.

  11. Belgian Rail Network Faces Disruptions Due to Engineering Works

    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.

  12. No Major Railway Strikes Reported in Belgium as of June 6

    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.

  13. Belgian Ports Disrupted by Maritime Pilots Strike; Volvo Supplier Votes on Agreement

    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.

  14. Belgian maritime pilots strike disrupts ports; travel warning issued amid national action

    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.

  15. Belgian Rail Strike Disrupts Services on June 4, Further Disruptions Planned for June 16

    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 announce new June strike over socio-economic reforms

    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. Belgian transport strikes continue, causing widespread delays and disruptions

    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. Belgian transport network faces delays amid ongoing strikes

    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. Belgian Unions Hold National Demonstration Against Austerity Reforms

    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. Belgium Strike on May 23 Cancels All Brussels Airport Departures

    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. Belgium Faces Nationwide Strike on May 12 Amidst Ongoing Transport Disruptions

    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. Belgium braces for nationwide strike on May 12, 2026, with transport disruptions expected

    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. Protesters close Brussels and Charleroi airports, 50 arrested in nationwide demonstration

    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. Brussels taxi drivers strike for legal reforms amid 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 Announce Provincial Days of Action for April 2026, Impacting Public Transport

    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 disrupted by labor disputes and strikes, affecting international trains.

    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. Belgian rail network faces new disruptions on March 28-29 due to engineering works

    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.

  4. Belgium hit by nationwide strike over austerity and wage talks, disrupting transport

    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 Announce Strike, Brussels Airport Cancels Flights

    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-day strike next week over pension reforms and 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 announce 72-hour strike from March 8-11, impacting 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 to strike March 8-11 over pension reforms and job security

    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 announce nationwide strike from March 9-11

    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. Belgian Unions Announce 24-Hour General Strike for March 12, 2026, Over Pension Reforms

    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. Belgian Trade Unions Announce Nationwide Strike for 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.

January 2026 — 6 developments

  4. Belgian Rail Unions Appeal After HR Rail Rejects Strike Notice for February Dates

    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. Belgian Rail Strike Disrupts Services Over Railway Reform Plans

    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

  2. Unions begin three-day rail strike over federal government policies and budget cuts

    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 Plan Nationwide Strike on April 29 Over Government Policies

    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

February 2025 — 1 developments

January 2025 — 1 developments

  1. Belgium experiences nationwide rail strike over pension reforms, disrupting transport

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