Widespread strikes in Belgium threaten train and public transport services at the end of January

Belgium is preparing for significant social unrest during the week of January 26–30, following unions’ announcement of a series of strikes affecting the TEC and SNCB public transport networks, amid rising disputes between workers and authorities over government reforms impacting working conditions.

The National Railway Company of Belgium (SNCB) confirmed a plan for a five-day strike involving all employee categories, starting the evening of January 25 until January 30, with expectations of disruptions to train services across the country.

Union sources explained that the strike will be implemented in rotation according to professional categories, with the company providing limited essential services during the action, and detailed schedules to be announced two days before the strike, amid ongoing consultations between management and unions.

Workers’ demands mainly focus on concerns over a new government bill aiming to end permanent appointments at SNCB and Infrabel starting June, which unions describe as a threat to job security.

The social unrest is not limited to the railway sector, as unions also announced protest actions at Wallonia’s public transport company TEC, opposing cost-cutting measures proposed by the regional government through OTW, including the removal of allowances and increasing working hours.

Despite reconciliation meetings, unions considered the outcomes unsatisfactory, prompting the General Confederation of Liberal Trade Unions of Belgium (CGSLB) to announce strikes during the same week, warning of escalation if solutions satisfying workers are not reached.

Workers’ representatives emphasized that dialogue remains open with authorities, but stressed that their protest options could expand if government policies continue without adjustment.

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