EUROSTAR AFFECTED BY RAILWORKERS STRIKE

Belgian railway workers commenced a 24-hour strike beginning at 2200 local time on 4 November 2009 to protest the proposed restructuring of the freight division of Belgian state rail operator SNCB. The most significant effects of the strike are expected on 5 November, when all international and domestic rail services will be halted. Nine Eurostar scheduled services between Brussels and London have been cancelled in anticipation of the strike, with trains bound for Brussels stopping at Lille, France. High-speed international services into and out of Belgium -- including TGV, ICE and Thalys trains -- have also been cancelled. In addition to the disruptions to rail services, the strike action may be accompanied by increased congestion on Belgian roads. Trains are expected to resume normal operations on 6 November.