Nationwide strike disrupts public transport and services across Belgium

Public services across Belgium were disrupted on Monday as workers affiliated with the trade union ACOD staged a nationwide strike against government policies, planned budget cuts and measures affecting public-sector employees, Belga news agency reported.

The walkout affected public transport, broadcasting, education, postal services and waste collection, with the scale of disruption varying across the country.

National railway operator “SNCB” (“NMBS”) said seven in 10 Intercity trains were running on an alternative timetable, while about half of local trains were operating. Most peak-hour services, which normally add capacity during morning and evening rush hours, were cancelled.

In Flanders, transport operator “De Lijn” reported that around 40% of its buses and trams were not running, with approximately 61% of services operating across the region.

Transport operator “TEC” warned of disruptions across its entire network in Wallonia. Brussels operator “STIB” said service interruptions could not be ruled out.

Schools were also expected to be affected after the ACOD Education union filed a strike notice, particularly at institutions in the Flemish “GO!” education network. Public broadcasters “VRT” and “RTBF” reported significant disruptions following the strike call.

Postal deliveries and household waste collection could also be affected. Postal operator “Bpost” anticipated disruptions comparable to those during the previous Friday’s industrial action.

Waste collection was expected to face interruptions in several municipalities, particularly in the Brussels-Capital Region. “Brussels-Cleanliness” warned that services could take several days to return to normal.

ACOD, a socialist public-sector trade union, called the strike as part of wider opposition to government budget proposals and planned spending cuts.