In the plenary session of the Flemish Parliament, the decree on the continuity of the services of De Lijn was approved. The 'system of continuity of service' ensures an adapted transport offer during strikes, taking into account the available staff members who choose not to participate in the strike and to work. For Lydia Peeters, putting travelers first, who all too often became the victims of the strikes or the failure of buses to show up, is the reason for developing this scheme.
“For me, the traveler counts, even during strikes. A student waiting for his bus has to get to school. Someone who takes the bus every day for his / her commute must be able to count on public transport and a pensioner who wants to visit a family member in a retirement home or hospital must also be able to do so by bus. ”
De grant continuity of service does not go as far as imposing a minimum or guaranteed service. Staff members are therefore not required to work during a strike. A strike must be notified at least 8 working days in advance. Employees are given up to 72 hours before the start of a strike day to let them know if they are participating in the strike; this notification is mandatory.
I want to make it clear that the right to strike is not called into question. However, this right does not prevent measures from being taken to ensure that every passenger / commuter can move as smoothly as possible when a strike jeopardizes the services of public transport. The system was already introduced at the NMBS and passed the test of the Constitutional Court. ”
