The UK’s Foreign Office has issued an update
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has changed its travel guidance for a destination popular with British travellers. People are being warned airports and other transport operators could be affected amid industrial action.
In a new alert on Wednesday, November 19, the FCDO said: “Strikes are planned for Monday 24, Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 November. This is expected to affect airports, public transport and some public services, including schools.
“Public transport will be affected from 10pm on Sunday 23 November. A demonstration is planned for central Brussels on Wednesday 26 November. Strike action is an ongoing issue that can cause travel disruption.
“General strikes took place on 31 March, 29 April and 14 October. Strike action may be announced at short notice. Monitor local news and check with your provider regarding potential delays and closures.”
Hundreds of thousands of people from the UK travel to Belgium each year. Further FCDO advice reads: “Strike action is an ongoing issue that can cause severe travel disruption across the country and affect international travel.
“For regular updates on any disruption, check local news and follow advice given by your travel provider.”
According to The Bulletin, this industrial action is “the latest and largest in a series of actions in response to the new federal government’s planned austerity measures, which unions say threaten Belgium’s social safety net”. Action will begin with a 72-hour rail transport strike, commencing at 11pm on November 23.
On 25 November, the movement “will spread to public administrations: municipalities, hospitals, administrative services, as well as the education sector, which has been invited to join the strike”.