Disruption to public transport and postal services expected on Monday due to trade union protests

The FGTB and ACOD trade unions are staging actions across the country on Monday that will cause disruption to some public transport services, reports RTBF.

One week ahead of elections in Belgium, rallies and speeches will take place in Brussels and cities in Wallonia and Flanders in protest against European austerity rules.

The public can expect disruption to public transport as well as postal delays. De Lijn bus and tram services are affected in every province of Flanders. The company has updated its timetable, which can be consulted on its website and via its app.

A strike notice was also filed by the TEC transport network in Wallonia. Serge Delchambre, CGSP delegate at TEC Charleroi pointed out that this was not a TEC action but a strike organised by the FGTB.

"Just before the elections, we want to remember that we are fighting against the policy of European austerity. If the future government wants this austerity, it must know that we will always be there.”

He said public services were the first to be targeted and the union wanted to remind people that when services were privatised in Europe, they ultimately cost citizens more in the end.

Delays expected at Charleroi airport

Some ground staff at Brussels South Charleroi Airport – responsible for operations on the runway – will take part in the FGTB action, explained airport spokesperson Nathalie Pierard.

“In Charleroi, planes stay barely more than 30 minutes on the ground. There are a large number of rotations each day. If there are fewer staff, delays are to be expected from the start of the day.”

In the event of accumulated delays, companies could make the decision to cancel flights, she warned. “We advise passengers to contact their airline this Monday to check the status of their flight.”