Train conductors call 24-hour strike this Saturday

Perhaps rethink that daytrip to the Belgian coast this Saturday - a union representing SNCB train conductors has called a strike.

The SIC union plans a 24-hour walkout from 3.00 on Saturday morning to protest about holiday entitlements and short-staffing.

The union wants all on-board assistants to have a guaranteed period of leave during the holidays.

But an SNCB spokeswoman said: "Like many other companies, the SNCB continues to operate a full service over the summer. There are certainly fewer commuters and therefore fewer rush-hour trains, but many passengers rely on the train to get the coast, to festivals and other tourist destinations.

"This is why it is not always easy for our staff to take leave during the summer holidays. The SNCB is aware of this and puts extra measures in place to reduce workload as much as possible."

Negotiations with management broke down on Tuesday lunchtime and the SNCB is drawing up a revised timetable for Saturday.