Train strike starts tonight

The national rail authority SNCB has warned of severe disruption to services as a result of a strike by train drivers due to begin tonight at 22.00 and continue all day and evening tomorrow.

“SNCB advises its clients to take the necessary precautions and to keep up to date during the action with information via station screens and announcements,” a statement said. The authority said it “strongly condemned the strike” which is going ahead “despite various meetings intended to avoid it”.

Members of the ASTB union are unhappy about pay scales and the system of premiums. Although the union represents only one in four drivers, disruption is expected to be widespread. Passengers are advised to make sure they reach their destinations before 21.00 tonight to be on the safe side.

Information will also be available via Twitter, the SNCB app and the website. Rail services are expected to return to normal by Friday morning.

Photo by Roel Hemkes/Flickr Commons