Belgian and Italian public transport workers strike

As public transport workers in the Belgian capital Brussels continue a one-day strike, it seems many commuters have stayed at home. Fears of rush hour traffic chaos have not materialised. The action was announced two weeks ago, with unions saying drivers are under excessive pressure to keep their services on time. On Wednesday, 51 people were injured, four seriously, when two Brusssels trams crashed into each other. Amid reports one of the trams was running late, unions say such an accident was bound to happen.

Meanwhile, in cities across Italy, public transport workers are also staging a walk-out. Unions are demanding a salary increase of 130 euros a month while management is offering about 50 euros more. Rome’s historic district is usually closed to all vehicles except public transport, but because of today’s strike, cars are being let through. Transport workers have reportedly promised to run a minimum service.

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