Belgium hit by rail strike, many riders stay home

BRUSSELS

A rail strike across Belgium caused widespread disruption for commuters Thursday, forcing many people to stay home and leaving some highways jammed.

Railway unions staged a one-day walkout to protest what they called a lack of information from management of the state-run NMBS-SNCB railway company over efforts to restructure its cargo unit.

Train stations were nearly deserted, and highways around the cities of Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent were jammed as regular rail commuters found alternative ways to get to work.

However, traffic authorities noted smaller than expected problems because schools were closed for holidays this week.

The strike also forced Eurostar and Thalys to cancel high-speed rail services between Brussels and London, and between Brussels and Paris and Amsterdam.

Jos Digneffe, a union spokesman, said workers "want clarity" over the restructuring plans. He threatened a weekly strike if management did not cooperate.

Marc Descheemaecker, head of the rail company told VRT Television he was "asking for more flexibility" from the unions, as it tries to revamp its money-losing cargo unit. Unions fear some 3,000 jobs could be lost as a result.

Business groups complained the strike could cost them euro5 million ($7.4 million) in lost productivity.