International Journalism

Welcome to Belgium: 3-day railway strike hits tourists in the country
Passengers waiting for delayed train at Ghent Sint-Pieters station
(Credit: Polina Mokina)

Welcome to Belgium: 3-day railway strike hits tourists in the country

No waffles and beer, just strikes: tourists at Ghent Sint-Pieters are greeted with a railway strike from 8th until 11th of March at 22:00 

  Published on May 20, 2026

The socialist union ACOD called for the strike against pension reform and for better working conditions. Fewer trains are running, and alternative routes are available. However, tourists experienced finding that information differently. Some struggled to find the best place to get accurate orientation and argued that the support was not consistent, while others navigated it easily.  

Cafes on the platforms are also impacted, as tourists often ask for their help when changes are not clear on the boards. This is the 35th time in 12 months that rail traffic has been disrupted. Despite altering travel plans, foreigners are still supportive of Belgian workers, understanding they have valid reasons to protest.  

After the 3 days of protests, the railway system will operate as usual. Yet, a national strike will hit Belgium tomorrow (12th of March), affecting tram, bus, metro, and airport services. 

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