Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper): De Lijn drivers are striking in Antwerp, disrupting public transport due to dissatisfaction with the new January 2025 shift schedules. Currently, only 58% of services are operational.
In the Kempen region, public transportation is facing major disruptions due to strikes by De Lijn drivers. These strikes are mainly happening in the province of Antwerp, resulting in many bus trips being canceled and causing inconvenience for travelers. Drivers are unhappy with the new schedule set to begin in January, which they believe will increase their workload and affect their schedules.
What are the reasons behind the ongoing De Lijn driver strikes in Antwerp?
De Lijn has advised passengers to plan their trips since many buses are not running. The company is facing problems not only in the Kempen region but also in other parts of Flanders, including major disruptions in Leuven and Tielt-Winge. Union representatives are frustrated with how management has communicated changes, especially about closing some depots and its impact on staff.
The drivers feel these changes were made too quickly. Because of the strikes, many bus services are canceled, and only about 58% of the usual buses are running, making it hard for passengers to get around.
De Lijn is sorry for the issues caused by the strikes and hopes to resolve them soon. They have scheduled a meeting with union leaders to discuss a solution to restore normal bus schedules. De Lijn is also advising passengers to check their online route planner for the latest service updates. They want to improve communication and address employee concerns moving forward.
