De Lin Struggles with reorganization amid driver concerns and union demands in Antwerp

Sarhan Basem
Credit: vrt.be

Antwerp (Brussels Morning): De Lin is facing challenges in reorganizing its operations including issues with relocating a bus depot and ensuring fair work-life balance for employees. The company is in discussions with unions to find solutions.

At De Lijn public transport company they’re still talking about how to organize things. Even after many meetings they haven’t come to a final decision as mentioned by the unions in the talks. This suggests that there are probably still problems or disagreements that are making it hard for everyone to agree on how to organize things at the company.

How Does the Relocation of De Lin’s Bus Depot Impact Efficiency and Scheduling?

Geert from ACOD is saying that moving the bus depot from Zurenborg in Berchem to Deurne Airport is causing some problems. The new location at the airport is further away making it harder for drivers to get back to base. It means they have to drive extra miles which might make their journeys longer and less efficient. So moving the depot might make it harder to keep the buses running on time and stick to the schedule. With the relief points and depot further apart there could be delays or more complicated planning for the bus routes. It has been said that This shows how important it is to think about how easy it is to reach places and how well things run when deciding to move locations so that both drivers and passengers don’t face too many problems.

How Are De Lin and Its Unions Addressing Employee Concerns Over Travel Times and Work-Life Balance?

The unions are saying that instead of just using shuttle buses to solve the travel problem between Berchem train station and the airport they want a fairer solution. They suggest giving employees extra time off based on the minutes they spend traveling. This way employees can use this extra time off later to balance their work and travel needs better. The unions want to make things fair for employees dealing with travel delays. They suggest giving employees extra time off as compensation for the extra time they spend traveling to work. This way employees get something in return for the time they spend on longer commutes making it easier for them to balance work and personal life.

The drivers even tram drivers want more realistic driving and rest times. They feel the current schedules are too tight leaving them stressed and without enough breaks. De Lin is looking into possible solutions within their budget. They are discussing this further with the unions today. They also created a new service where the route planner only displays the journeys that are usually taken.

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Sarhan Basem is Brussels Morning's Senior Correspondent to the European Parliament. With a Bachelor's degree in English Literature, Sarhan brings a unique blend of linguistic finesse and analytical prowess to his reporting. Specializing in foreign affairs, human rights, civil liberties, and security issues, he delves deep into the intricacies of global politics to provide insightful commentary and in-depth coverage. Beyond the world of journalism, Sarhan is an avid traveler, exploring new cultures and cuisines, and enjoys unwinding with a good book or indulging in outdoor adventures whenever possible.
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