On 17 March, railway workers from ACOD Spoor/CGSP Cheminots and ACV/CSC Transcom are taking strike action to defend their pensions and demand dignity in retirement. ETF stands firmly in solidarity with Belgian rail workers as they fight against unjust pension reforms that threaten their futures and the future of generations to come.
Proposed pension reform
The Belgian new government’s proposed reforms would dismantle a considerable part of the current pension framework, worsening conditions for railway workers who dedicate their lives to public service. The changes include:
The consequences are clear: lower pensions, longer careers, delayed retirements, and an even more difficult end to working life. It is unacceptable for workers in tough and hazardous roles to be ignored, while their right to a fair and liveable pension is stripped away.
Funding Cuts
In additon to the plans for pensions, the recent federal government agreement, known as the “Arizona” coalition, has introduced significant changes affecting Belgium’s railway system, particularly concerning funding cuts and structural reorganisations.
The agreement proposes substantial budgetary reductions, with reports indicating potential savings of €675 million specifically targeting the NMBS/SNCB. These cuts raise doubts about the government’s commitment to developing the railway sector in line with climate and environmental objectives.
Further Separation of Railway Undertaker and Infrastructure Manager
Belgium’s railway system underwent a significant structural change in 2005, splitting the NMBS/SNCB into two separate entities: NMBS/SNCB, responsible for train operations, and Infrabel, managing the railway infrastructure. This division has been met with criticism over the years.
The current government plans to further this separation by dissolving HR Rail, the entity responsible for recruitment and personnel management, and transferring its functions to NMBS/SNCB and Infrabel. This would jeopardise the unified status of railway personnel and disrupt established labour relations.
Belgian trade unions have expressed strong opposition to these plans. They argue that the initial split between NMBS/SNCB and Infrabel has led to increased costs and inefficiencies. Further fragmentation, they contend, would exacerbate these issues, leading to coordination challenges, reduced efficiency, and a decline in service quality for passengers.
Workers’ representatives emphasise the need for a unified railway structure, stating that only an integrated system can reduce costs, enhance efficiency, and ensure punctual, safe, and high-quality services for passengers. They warn that further splitting would result in the loss of synergies, complicate coordination between infrastructure management and train operations, slow down crisis management, and make maintenance less efficient, ultimately disadvantaging both passengers and railway staff.
ETF stands in solidarity with Belgian Railway Workers
ETF stands shoulder to shoulder with our Belgian affiliates as they plan 18 days of strike action over the next five months, including participation in broader public sector actions. The strike on 17 March, from 22:00 on 16 March to 22:00 on 17 March, is a powerful statement of workers’ determination to defend their rights.
We have long advocated for integrated railway systems recognised as public services, emphasising their importance for society and climate goals. ETF supports public ownership and funding of railways to ensure accessibility, affordability, and environmental sustainability. The federation stands in solidarity with Belgian railway workers, particularly in their fight against pension reforms that threaten their futures and the future of upcoming generations.
We call on the Belgian government to engage with unions, respect the hardship of railway work, and protect the pensions workers have earned through years of dedication.
An attack on pensions is an attack on workers’ dignity — and ETF will always support those who stand up for justice, fairness, and the rights of future generations.