Public and private sector workers in Belgium went on a one-day general strike to protest against the government’s planned cuts to social spending and proposed changes to the pension system.
In Belgium, the government’s plans to cut social spending and tighten pension conditions were met with a nationwide general strike. The strike, involving both public and private sector employees, began this morning following calls from labour unions.
As part of the strike, workers protested against planned restrictions on federal unemployment, pension, and long-term sickness benefits. Unions argued that the government’s austerity policies “weaken the welfare state” and demanded that the proposed measures be withdrawn.
Transport Sector Paralysed
The protest brought the country’s transport system to a near standstill.
Airports: All outbound flights were cancelled as staff at Brussels and Charleroi airports joined the strike. While Charleroi Airport operated partially, only a limited number of inbound flights took place at Brussels Airport.
Public Transport: Most metro, bus, and tram services in the capital Brussels were cancelled. Major disruptions were also reported across the Flemish and Walloon regions.
Disruptions in Public Services and Education
The strike also affected public services.
- Education: Many schools were closed due to the high participation of teachers.
- Municipal Services: Waste collection, nurseries, and administrative services were disrupted.
- Healthcare and Postal Services: These sectors slowed down significantly across the country.
- Unions: “We Want Social Justice, Not Austerity”
As part of its reform agenda, the Belgian government plans to revise the retirement age and eligibility conditions, make the labour market “more flexible,” and impose restrictions on long-term sickness benefits.
Unions argue that these steps will lower workers’ living standards and describe the plans as an “attack on social rights.”
Thousands March in Brussels
Coinciding with the general strike, thousands took to the streets of Brussels.
Protesters marched from the North Railway Station to the Midi Railway Station.
Wearing union colours — green, red, and blue — the crowd chanted slogans such as “Stop the Government,” “Money for War, None for Pensions,” and “Hands Off Our Rights.”
Central avenues in Brussels were closed to traffic due to the march, causing heavy congestion and major transport disruptions across the city.
