Between 2014 and 2023, the number of persons employed in the rail transportation sector in Belgium decreased from 36.64 thousand employees to 29.03 thousand employees, reflecting an overall downward trend. The employment dropped year-on-year at varying rates, with notable declines in 2016 (-4.13%) and 2021 (-4.65%). Notably, 2020 saw a slight increase of 1.77%. The 5-year compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) ended 2023 at -2.29%. Forecasts predict continued declines, reaching 25.6 thousand employees by 2028, at a forecasted 5-year CAGR of -2.01%, reflecting a decrease of 9.65% over this period.
Future trends to watch for include potential technological advancements, increased railway investment, and possible government intervention aiming to stabilize employment in the sector. Monitoring these factors will be crucial for understanding employment dynamics going forward.
