Leuven (Brussels Morning Newspaper): De Lin drivers are on strike, causing major bus service disruptions in Leuven and Brussels. About 30% of drivers aren’t working, impacting daily commuters and students because of new schedule changes.
Disruption has hit the city bus network hard, especially lines 1 to 9. These bus routes are important for people who travel daily, connecting different parts of the city and nearby areas. Stopping these services is causing problems for many residents who depend on public transport for work and appointments, making it tough for them to get around the city.
Why are De Lin bus drivers on strike, and how does it affect school and city services in Leuven?
Several school bus lines, including Don Bosco Haacht, Heilig Hart Heverlee, and Salco Haasrode, are also not running. This has made it difficult for students and their families who depend on these buses to get to school. With city and school bus services suspended, the disruption is affecting people of all ages and their daily activities, making travel even harder across the region.
Drivers are not working on 11th October because of talks about new schedules for January. Astrid Hulhoven from De Lin says the changes to the bus network around Leuven have made the drivers unhappy. They are on strike because they do not agree with the new working hours. Sven Desmedt from the ACLVB union explains that there are fewer bus services, and the new schedule doesn’t make sense. The drivers have to drive short distances in the morning and evening, which disrupts their personal lives. Desmedt adds that their concerns were ignored in discussions, making it feel like management wasn’t listening to them.
De Lin will talk to the unions again. They are sorry for the sudden strike and apologize to passengers for the trouble. The unions also feel bad that customers are affected but have no choice because there are fewer bus trips at strange times.
