Train drivers consider whether to continue strikes

Train drivers’ union SACT is to reconsider its plan to strike every Saturday during the summer, following the minimal impact of the first strike at the weekend. “We may have to look at our approach again,” one representative told the VRT. 

On the first day of the seven planned strikes, only about one in 10 trains failed to run, with the worst problems on the line between Antwerp and Hasselt. “Traffic was relatively normal in the direction of the coast,” said Bart Crols, spokesperson for the rail authority SNCB, which had drafted in extra staff to help counter any problems.

The union is striking for more pay and better working conditions, and claims that talks with the SNCB produced no progress.

SACT said it was surprised that so many trains had been able to run. The union is small and mainly active in French-speaking areas, but their effect has previously been more widespread. “The SNCB’s plan B worked well,” a union representative admitted. They will now consider whether to continue the planned action.

Meanwhile, the strike plan was attacked by the motoring organisation VAB, who described it as “a missed opportunity to convince motorists to use the train more often. If you want drivers to take the train or public transport, then the alternative has to be trustworthy,” the organisation said.

Photo: Blankenberge station
© Zeisterre/Wikimedia