Transport strike: what rights for the employee?

Verified 30 May 2022 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

An employee who is absent or late because of a transport strike is not at fault if it is impossible for him to go to work. In order to avoid unpaid wages, the employee may, in agreement with the employer, make use of telework if his employment so permits. Other measures may be envisaged for employees who cannot work from home to avoid a reduction in their remuneration.

No, the employee cannot be penalized if he proves that he cannot go to work and if he notifies the employer.

For example, he can give an attestation from the transport company to his employer.

No, the employee is not paid during his absence.

The deduction from the salary must be strictly proportional to the length of the absence.

However, treaty provisions may provide for the payment of such time of absence.

No, we can't impose the teleworking. If employment so permits, the employee and the employer may agree to use it.

If teleworking is not possible, the following measures may be implemented in agreement between the employer and the employee:

  • Making up for hours not worked at another time in the week
  • Taking a day of paid leave
  • Taking of a day of reduction of working time (RTT) if the employee benefits from it

The employer may also:

  • Organizing employee transport by setting up shuttles or incentives for carpooling, for example
  • Coverage of the additional cost of using other means of transport (taxi, VTC: titleContent) or accommodation costs close to work

No, the employee cannot leave his or her job earlier. However, he may do so if he obtains the agreement of his employer.

The employer is not obliged to pay his employee beyond the initial period of his assignment.

He remains in a situation of displacement without it being hard actual working time.

If the employee provides proof, the company must reimburse all costs relating to the employee's accommodation and/or meals.

In agreement with the employer, the employee may be allowed to use another means of transport (e.g. air, taxi, car rental).

FAQ