LIÈGE – The TEC public transport network in Liège province has been significantly affected by spontaneous strikes initiated by workers on Saturday morning, following an assault on staff that occurred the previous evening.

The walkouts took place at multiple depots including Robermont, Jemeppe, Rocourt, Eupen, and Stembert, leading to a cessation of services on 89 out of 204 scheduled bus routes in the region.

The incident that triggered the strikes involved a driver who activated the emergency brake, prompting the intervention of inspectors.

During this process, the driver was reportedly attacked by several individuals, resulting in injuries to him and one inspector, with another inspector experiencing severe distress.

Police responded to the scene and arrested the alleged leader of the assault, while the three afflicted individuals were taken to hospitals for treatment.

Isabelle Tasset, spokesperson for TEC Liège-Verviers, described the violent episode, stating, "At around 17:20 yesterday, a driver had to apply an emergency brake.

Two inspectors were present to help coordinate the situation.

Suddenly, several individuals attacked the driver, hitting him.

The inspectors managed to secure the driver, but one of them was also hit and the other is deeply shocked."

In light of the violence, TEC condemned the assault on its personnel, affirming that no such incidents should be tolerated.

Tasset commented on the unannounced nature of the walkouts, acknowledging the emotional impact on employees while expressing regret for the disruption caused to customers.

Ongoing discussions are taking place between TEC management and the trade unions regarding the incident and its fallout.

The context of rising violence against TEC staff has grown concerning, as reports indicate 47 physical assaults against employees in 2024 alone, marking a 22% increase from the previous year.

Issues of safety in public transport have long been a concern, prompting regional legislative changes, including the adoption of a double penalty structure for assaults against public transport workers.

Each day, TEC's bus services accommodate approximately 200,000 passengers across their extensive network.

Strains due to staff shortages and heightened workplace stress are exacerbating tensions between workers and management, as seen in previous labor disputes.

Minister François Desquesnes has indicated plans for enhanced security measures, including increased police presence and improvements in driver protection technology.

Meanwhile, dockworkers in Belgium are also participating in industrial action.

The Joint Dockworkers Union Front has announced that dockworkers in ports such as Antwerp, Zeebrugge, and Ghent will undertake one-hour work stoppages on Monday as part of their opposition to broader national strike actions.

This limited tactic comes amidst ongoing labor conflicts surrounding unemployment and pension issues affecting port workers.

Union representatives aim to address grievances regarding port-specific unemployment rules and the acknowledgment of dock work periods in pension assessments.

This comes in response to government proposals potentially altering early retirement rules, which have raised concerns among dockworkers regarding their job security and safety.

With the Belgian port system being a significant component of European trade—particularly with Antwerp being the second-largest port in Europe—the unions are aiming for strategic action during a period of complex labor negotiations, amid fears of diminished bargaining power if full-scale strikes were executed.