A heads up if you're on your way to Belgium: the country's two largest rail unions announced Monday that they plan to strike on April 30, 2008 because of a dispute over pay and conditions, as reported by the International Herald Tribune. About 90% of the employees of the state rail company SNCB/NMBS will be striking, meaning that travelers can expect a 24 hour train standstill.

Not only will regional service be affected, but also international lines like the Eurostar to Britain, the Thalys to France and the Netherlands and the ICE to Germany.

In the United States, we aren't very used to national strikes of this kind, but some European countries -- France and Germany for example -- deal with them frequently. But don't let strikes discourage you; train travel is still an efficient and eco-friendly way to make your way across Europe, just plan accordingly.

Filed under: Europe, Belgium, Transportation, News