Strike by the socialist trade union BBTK on June 20 will disrupt public transport network, says STIB

After three weeks of public transport in Belgium came to a halt amid a national strike on May 31, another strike is planned with unions once again calling on the Government to protect people’s purchasing power.

The Brussels public transport operator STIB has made a confirmation on Monday afternoon that the strike on June 20, announced by the socialist trade union BBTK last week, will cause severe disruption to its network.

The exact impact is unclear yet, as it is currently impossible to know the staff’s participation in the action. The demonstration in the city centre will also see several lines being blocked or diverted, especially trams and buses.

“STIB advises its travellers to provide alternative public transport on that day and apologises for the inconvenience,” a statement from the company read. “We will do everything in our power to serve as wide an area as possible and to enable students to reach their schools for the exams.”

As always, STIB will inform the public in real-time about the situation on the network starting at 06:00 on its social media platforms (Facebook and Twitter) and on its website.

Public transport operator De Lijn said that, “It is taking stock of who will and will not participate, and will draw up the adjusted timetable based on that information. Trains operated by SNCB are expected to go ahead as scheduled, as no strike notice has been filed for the company.

In a press release last week, BBTK said that in light of prices continuing to skyrocket, which is putting Belgian workers’ purchasing power in danger, it is once again taking to the streets.

In both April and May, unions and their members organised strike actions, calling on the Government for better protections to deal with the cost of living crisis, strengthen pension systems, boost public sector investment and improve social consultations between trade unions and politicians.