{"id":728181,"date":"2026-01-29T08:34:16","date_gmt":"2026-01-29T08:34:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/728181\/"},"modified":"2026-01-29T08:34:16","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T08:34:16","slug":"ceo-of-nmbs-says-strike-action-is-really-no-longer-reasonable","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/728181\/","title":{"rendered":"CEO of NMBS says \u2018Strike action is really no longer reasonable\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Sophie Dutordoir, CEO of Belgium\u2019s national railway operator NMBS, has expressed growing frustration over the frequency of railway strikes. In an interview with VRT NWS, she urged trade unions to return to the negotiating table and finalise a social pact that would \u201cstrongly define\u201d the contracts of future employees.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Since January last year, NMBS has recorded 31 strike days, as staff and unions protest against pension reforms and the abolition of permanent appointments for new hires.<\/p>\n

Mobility minister Jean-Luc Crucke (Les Engag\u00e9s) reached preliminary agreements with unions on two occasions last year, but these were rejected by union members. Crucke has since halted consultations and pushed his draft legislation through the Council of Ministers, signalling what he has described as the end of negotiations.<\/p>\n

\"Website<\/a><\/p>\n

Dutordoir argued that the transition from permanent appointments to a contractual employment system is essential if NMBS is to be prepared for 2032, when the European Union will require domestic rail passenger markets to be opened to competition. \u201cWe are currently the only railway company in Europe that is not yet hiring contract workers,\u201d she told VRT NWS.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don’t underestimate the changes for my employees, but what’s happening today is truly unacceptable,\u201d Dutordoir said in reference to the ongoing strikes. She warned that the action is harming not only passengers, but also the government and the railway company itself through reputational and financial damage.<\/p>\n

Move towards liberalisation<\/p>\n

\u201cThis liberalisation of the domestic rail market is coming, whether we like it or not. So we’re going to have to fight to maintain our current position,\u201d she said. Dutordoir again called on unions to resume talks and negotiate a social pact for employees hired on contractual terms from mid-June onward.<\/p>\n

The liberalisation of domestic rail transport refers to EU rules requiring Belgium to open its passenger rail market to competition by around 2032, ending NMBS\u2019s exclusive position. Train services would then be awarded through competitive tenders, allowing other public or private operators to bid for routes. NMBS management argues that shifting from permanent appointments to contractual employment is necessary to remain competitive in this open market, while unions fear the reform will undermine job security and working conditions.<\/p>\n

Check the status of trains or alternative service for 29 and 30 January here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u200bNMBS – SNCB CEO Sophie Dutordoir \u00a9BELGA PHOTO LAURIE DIEFFEMBACQ<\/p>\n

Related news<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Website<\/a>\"Website<\/a><\/p>\n

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