48-hour strike to begin on Belgian railways

On Tuesday evening, Belgium's railways will begin a second 48-hour strike, disrupting services across the country for the next two days. Passengers may have to make alternative travel arrangements.

In October, two unions within Infrabel, NMBS and HR announced a double 48-hour strike due to dissatisfaction with the progress of internal reform negotiations. The first ran from 22.00 on 7 November to 22.00 on 9 November. The second will begin at 22.00 on Tuesday 5 December, and last until 22.00 on Thursday 7 December.

"An alternative train service will be provided for each day of the strike based on the staff who have indicated they will be working"

Two out of every five L trains and suburban S trains will run during the strike. P trains will run almost non-stop. "An alternative train service will be provided for each day of the strike based on the staff who have indicated they will be working," said NMBS.

The alternative service for Wednesday will be available from Tuesday morning via the NMBS online journey planner, app or website. For Thursday services, the information will be available from Wednesday morning.

Management have condemned the new strike action and "regret the impact on passengers". The Christian union ACV Transcom withdrew its strike notice, while the socialist and liberal unions decided to go ahead with the 48-hour strike.

^{© BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND}