Genk (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – De Lijn bus drivers in Genk staged a spontaneous Wednesday strike, Oct 15, 2025, over outdated interrupted shifts and heavier workloads; union ACOD’s Leon Versluys calls for full-time schedules and better work-life balance.
As VRT News reported, drivers at the De Lijn bus depot in Winterslag, Genk, walked off the job on Wednesday morning, Oct 15, 2025. They mentioned that many drivers work interrupted shifts. They operate during the busy morning and evening hours but have a long break in the afternoon.
The system was created to cover peak travel times efficiently. Drivers say it is now outdated. Many have to commute twice in one day. Those who live far from the depot cannot go home during the break. Drivers say they want to spend time with family, but the current schedule makes this very difficult.
“For years, disgruntled drivers have been asking for something to be done about this.”
Leon Versluys, socialist trade union ACOD
“Because of the cuts, timetables are often only announced on the day itself. People can no longer plan anything and have no social life anymore,”
says Versluys.
Why did De Lijn drivers in Genk walk out over shifts and workload?
The action was announced without any prior notice. The city’s transport network was heavily affected, especially buses travelling to and from Genk. Jens Van Herp, spokesperson for De Lin, said that some drivers returned to work shortly after a social consultation. He added that further disruptions could still occur during the afternoon and evening rush hours. Despite the strike, service is expected to return to normal on Thursday, Oct 16, 2025.
A new meeting with management is planned for Friday, Oct 17, 2025. Leon Versluys of the socialist trade union ACOD said the goal is to convert interrupted shifts into full-time schedules. He added that drivers have been asking for years to improve these shifts.
“Drivers want schedules that are fair and attractive, not just in Limburg but across Flanders,”
he said. De Lin confirmed it will continue consulting with drivers to address their concerns.
Similar incidents have happened before at De Lijn depots. On May 25, 2022, drivers at a subcontractor depot in Genk went on a spontaneous strike after a colleague was assaulted the night before. Bus services across Limburg were disrupted as drivers turned back mid-route, and the action spread to other depots. Earlier, on March 29, 2019, drivers at the De Lijn depot in Merksem, Antwerp, also walked out after a driver was attacked while asking a passenger not to drink on the bus.
