Tens of thousands of people participated in a national strike in Brussels, opposing government reforms and spending cuts. The strike, organized by Belgium’s three major unions, sparked widespread disruptions, including the complete halting of services at Charleroi Airport and numerous flight cancellations at Brussels Airport. While some train services continued, most public transport systems, such as buses and trams, experienced significant interruptions.
Trade unions are protesting against pension reforms implemented by Prime Minister Bart de Wever’s centre-right government, which aims to reduce the budget deficit. The strike was marked by approximately 80,000 protesters by midday, according to police estimates.
Additionally, operations at Antwerp, Europe’s second-largest port, were suspended due to labor shortages, causing over 100 ships to wait for docking permissions. This strike follows a series of labor actions since De Wever took office in February.
Protesters expressed concerns over various austerity measures, including plans to raise the retirement age and limit unemployment benefits to two years. Demonstrators wore the colors of their unions and carried placards highlighting their demands. Some voiced discontent over the perceived inequity of the reforms, emphasizing that the burden of austerity seemed to fall disproportionately on lower-income groups.
Pension age changes initiated a decade ago have been a primary focus of dissent, with many claiming they would unfairly affect the working class. Union representatives conveyed the sentiment that the current struggle extends beyond immediate grievances, affecting future generations.
In addition to federal government pressures, regional authorities in Wallonia are also implementing austerity measures, including increased work hours for teachers. While the protests remained largely peaceful, there were reports of vandalism and clashes between masked individuals and police at the event’s onset.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62e3pny6p7o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss