Unions threaten newpublic transport strike

3 November 2004

BRUSSELS – Public transport unions may hold Brussels commuters hostage in yet another strike this Friday.

Busses, trams and metros are expected to grind to a halt for the third consecutive week over a dispute with management about working conditions.

Drivers at the Brussels public transport authority, STIB, are protesting against “inhuman conditions” due to a lack of personnel, work pressure and bad communication with management.

Talks between the two parties broke down on Tuesday, prompting calls for new strike action.

The Socialist union, CGSP/ACOD, has come out in favour of another strike but the Liberal and Christian unions have still to put the motion to members later today.

The Socialist faction rejected a compromise deal on working conditions, put forward by STIB director Alain Flausch.

Negotiations are continuing between management and unions today.

Subject: Belgian news