Large-scale strikes will take place in education and public transport on Monday January 13, as part of a wider day of action to fight proposed reforms to the pension system.
In the news: Unions oppose plans by government negotiators, which they say will have a significant impact on the retirement conditions of railway workers and teachers. Although the exact impact is not yet entirely clear, the actions are expected to cause significant disruption in both sectors. Here is a summary of the main information.
Education: risk of course cancellations and childcare problems
All four education unions have filed strike notices, meaning there is widespread support for the action in the sector. Unions express their concern about plans to raise the retirement age and change the calculation of pensions. They believe these changes will lead to lower retirement benefits and a deterioration in working conditions for teaching staff.
The impact of the strike will vary by region, but parents should consider the possibility of class elimination and school closure. It is also possible that some schools may have difficulty organizing childcare.
Public transport: inconveniences are expected for trains and trams
The strike will also affect public transport. Staff from SNCB, Infrabel, HR Rail and STIB will stop working from Sunday January 12 at 10 p.m. to Monday January 13 at 10 p.m.
SNCB: The railway company will develop an alternative timetable and communicate it 24 hours in advance via the online route planner. Travelers are invited to consult the SNCB website and application.
International trains: It is not yet clear to what extent cross-border trains, such as Eurostar and Thalys, will be affected by the actions.
STIB: Disruptions are also expected in urban transport in Brussels, although details remain to be confirmed.
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