Interprofessional strike actions announced for 5, 10 and 12 February
Last Updated:
🚨 Interprofessional Strike: Belgium (Multi-Sector) The "Front Commun Syndical" (FGTB/ABVV, CSC/ACV, and CGSLB/ACLVB) has intensified its opposition to the federal government’s "Arizona" coalition reforms. This is an interprofessional action, meaning it extends beyond transport to include schools, administrations, and the private sector.
Status: Confirmed. Action days are set for 5, 10, and 12 February 2026.
🏢Provincial Level
Thursday, Feb 5: West Flanders, East Flanders, Liège, and Luxembourg.
Tuesday, Feb 10: Antwerp, Limburg, Hainaut, and Namur.
Thursday, Feb 12: Brussels, Flemish Brabant, and Walloon Brabant.
📢 What to Expect:
Public Transport:
- De Lijn has confirmed severe disruptions to bus and tram services across the province. An alternative service plan is typically available 24–48 hours in advance.
Education:
- Strike notices have been filed on 5 February for staff in all educational institutions (including Catholic and GO! schools) throughout East Flanders.
- ACOD strike notice for all education institutions in Antwerp: 10 February.
Public Gatherings:
- Major union actions are centered in Ghent, with a gathering at the Vrijdagmarkt followed by a march to the Kouter at 10:30 AM.
Other Sectors: Local government offices and waste collection services may also be affected.
🛫 Charleroi Airport
An interprofessional strike in the Province of Hainaut on Thursday, February 5, may affect access to Charleroi Airport.
Access: Expect potential delays and road disruptions to and from the terminals.
Advice: Allow extra travel time and confirm your flight status with your airline before heading to the airport.
Check the official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information for Charleroi Airport.
🛫 Brussels Airport
The airport is open and has not issued an official closure announcement as of February 4. However, disruptions are possible due to the nationwide interprofessional strike notice.
Note: The most significant impact for Brussels Airport is expected on Thursday, February 12, when the strike officially moves to the Brussels and Flemish Brabant regions.
🚆 Will trains be running in Belgium 5, 10, 12 February 2026?
Yes, trains are expected to run as scheduled because the Council of State officially rejected the unions' emergency appeal to authorize strikes for those specific dates.
While trains should run, "interprofessional" actions in other sectors may still cause indirect delays or local disruptions. Check the official SNCB website for real-time updates.
🔍 Why is this strike happening?
The "Front Commun" is protesting a suite of federal socio-economic measures dubbed a "frontal assault on the world of work." Key grievances include:
- Pension Reforms: Opposition to raising the statutory retirement age to 67 and changes to pension calculations.
- Purchasing Power: Protesting the "index leap" (adjustments to how wages follow inflation) and wage freezes.
- Public Service Cuts: Protesting a €10 billion austerity package that unions claim will degrade health, education, and transport.
- Rail Reform: A specific fight against the abolition of "statutory" (permanent civil servant) status for new rail recruits.
This alert was originally created on 13 January 2026.
Public Impact
Effective Dates
Updates
HR Rail (SNCB/Infrabel) previously blocked the notice for the planned Feb 5, 10, and 12 actions, calling them "irresponsible." The union maintains this refusal violates the fundamental right to strike and discriminates against railway workers participating in national actions.
A final ruling is expected shortly.
Organizers
- Front commun syndical
- FGTB/ABVV
- CSC/ACV
- CGSLB/ACLVB
Affected Locations
- National
Sources
AI-Assisted Content: This alert was gathered by StrikeTracker AI Agents. Sources are included on this page.
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