Public transport disruption expected in Brussels on Monday due to national strike

A national demonstration by trade unions to show solidarity with workers at the beleaguered Audi plant is expected to disrupt public transport in Brussels on Monday.

The protest is planned to leave North train station at 10.30 in the direction of Place du Luxembourg where a rally is to be held.

Organised as a joint union action, the demonstration is supported by other European unions, according to French-speaking Christian employee union CSC, reports RTBF.

Brussels public transport operator Stib has warned of major disruption to its network of metro, trains and buses as staff have been invited to join the action.

Stib advises travellers to consult updates during the day. Its Contact Centre (070/23.20.00) will be open from 6.00 on Monday.

“The website www.stib.brussels and the STIB-MIVB app will continuously be updated to inform travellers, as will the Facebook page (facebook.com/lastib) and the X account (@stibmivb),” says Stib on its website.

Train operator SNCB does not expect the protest to impact rail traffic. "No strike notice has been filed within SNCB for this Monday, September 16, 2024," it says.

However, some disruption is possible due to the extra number of passengers expected on trains to and from Brussels. Around 10,000 people could travel to the capital to participate in the demonstration, says SNCB. In the event of large crowds at stations, it might be difficult to access platforms, it advises.

There could also be some disruption to national postal service Bpost, in the distribution of mail and parcels and potential queues in post offices.

Supermarkets such as Delhaize have increased the number of staff to ensure deliveries to stores. The impact of the strike on banks or public administrative offices is not yet know, says RTBF.

An escalation in the conflict with Audi workers resulted in the Forest plant’s closure last week. This was followed by an announcement by management early on Friday that the factory would restart "on a voluntary basis" from next Tuesday, according to Belga.

Photo: ©Stib