Brussels public transport operator Stib warns of possible disruptions to its network on 26 December

One of Stib’s three unions is planning to blockade depots on 26 December, which could cause disruptions on the Brussels public transport network, the company has warned.

The civil service trade union CGSP has announced that its members will hold a strike this Friday, in an ongoing dispute with management.

“But we are not yet able to estimate the extent of the impact of the action,” Stib said in a press statement. The transport operator will share updates on the status of its network from 6.00 on Friday.

“Due to the Christmas holiday weekend, customer service will be operating with limited availability and will not be able to handle individual questions regarding each bus, tram or metro line as usual,” it added.

“We encourage our customers to consult our website or social media channels, where information on the network status will be posted.”

The strike notice follows an earlier action on 12 December, when the CGSP union staged a protest against the closure of company restaurants located in depots and the lack of an increase in the value of meal vouchers issued to staff.

Bilal Oujjagh, president of the CGSP TBM Brussels, told Belga news agency that “this was not the only reason for the mobilisation.” The union said the union’s relationship with the company was currently “very tense” due to what it considered was a violation of the right to strike by STIB management.

The union cited the action of 12 December when striking workers were allegedly penalised and their absence deemed unjustified.

Concerning the planned protest on 26 December, Stib said it “strongly regrets this action, which is causing disruption for passengers.” It called on members behind the initiative to act responsibly and engage in dialogue.

Photo: ©Stib/Mivb