Belgium is bracing for a nationwide strike on Tuesday, October 14, which is expected to cause major disruptions across airports, public transport, waste management, and some municipal services, as reported by The Brussles Times. The strike has been called by trade unions ACV-CSC, FGTB-ABVV, and CGSLB-ACLVB to protest federal government reforms affecting pensions, working conditions, and salaries.
Airports and flights might be affected
Air travel is expected to be heavily affected. Brussels South Charleroi Airport and Brussels Airport in Zaventem will see all departing flights cancelled, and arriving flights at Charleroi have also been cancelled.
Airlines are contacting passengers with information on rebooking or refunds, Brussels Times reported. Passengers at Zaventem may experience longer waiting times at border control due to reduced staff.
Public transport impact
The capital’s transport operator, STIB-MIVB, warned of severe delays and cancellations across metro, bus, and tram services in Brussels. Exact line-by-line details will be shared closer to the strike date through the STIB-MIVB website, mobile app, and social media channels. Passengers are advised to seek alternative travel options.
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The Flemish operator De Lijn also expects disruptions on its tram and bus lines. Updates will be available on its website and app from October 10, and passengers are urged to check the route planner before travelling.
In Wallonia, TEC has announced disruptions on its network, with updates available online from 4 pm on October 10 until the end of the strike day.
Train services by the SNCB and Eurostar are expected to run as scheduled, with no disruptions reported.
Administrative services and courts
Municipal offices in some areas, including Saint-Gilles, will be closed, affecting civil registry services. Courts in Brussels, including the Court of Appeal, Labour Court, and Commercial Courts, are expected to operate normally, though delays may occur due to transport issues.
Union demands and demonstrations
The unions are calling for overtime bonuses, easier early retirement, fair night work compensation, higher pensions, and job security for young workers. They have criticized the government, stating it is launching an “attack on workers’ rights”.
A demonstration in Brussels will take place from 10:45 am on October 14, starting at Brussels North station and moving to Brussels Midi station.
Belgium is expected to experience widespread disruptions across transport, public services, and workplaces, with authorities urging residents and commuters to plan ahead.
Airports and flights might be affected
Air travel is expected to be heavily affected. Brussels South Charleroi Airport and Brussels Airport in Zaventem will see all departing flights cancelled, and arriving flights at Charleroi have also been cancelled.
Airlines are contacting passengers with information on rebooking or refunds, Brussels Times reported. Passengers at Zaventem may experience longer waiting times at border control due to reduced staff.
Public transport impact
The capital’s transport operator, STIB-MIVB, warned of severe delays and cancellations across metro, bus, and tram services in Brussels. Exact line-by-line details will be shared closer to the strike date through the STIB-MIVB website, mobile app, and social media channels. Passengers are advised to seek alternative travel options.
(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)
The Flemish operator De Lijn also expects disruptions on its tram and bus lines. Updates will be available on its website and app from October 10, and passengers are urged to check the route planner before travelling.
In Wallonia, TEC has announced disruptions on its network, with updates available online from 4 pm on October 10 until the end of the strike day.
Train services by the SNCB and Eurostar are expected to run as scheduled, with no disruptions reported.
Administrative services and courts
Municipal offices in some areas, including Saint-Gilles, will be closed, affecting civil registry services. Courts in Brussels, including the Court of Appeal, Labour Court, and Commercial Courts, are expected to operate normally, though delays may occur due to transport issues.
Union demands and demonstrations
The unions are calling for overtime bonuses, easier early retirement, fair night work compensation, higher pensions, and job security for young workers. They have criticized the government, stating it is launching an “attack on workers’ rights”.
A demonstration in Brussels will take place from 10:45 am on October 14, starting at Brussels North station and moving to Brussels Midi station.
Belgium is expected to experience widespread disruptions across transport, public services, and workplaces, with authorities urging residents and commuters to plan ahead.