The action of the common trade union front started last night and will continue until 10 pm tomorrow. A second 48-hour strike will follow in a month’s time, from Tuesday 5 to Thursday 7 December.
The unions do not approve of management’s plans to halve the start-up time of train conductors to 10 minutes. “The staff shortages increase the workload. The staff is confronted every day with failing work tools and an unworkable railway structure. There is a greater need than ever for railway stability.”
Despite the minimal rail services, the strike is a clear signal, says Blauwens. “If production comes to a standstill in some workshops and there are a lot fewer trains running, management feels that.”