Belgium braces for wave of strikes
Belgium is preparing for widespread industrial action as unions ramp up their opposition to the federal government’s policies. A mass protest is set to take place on Thursday, followed by plans for a general strike and an unprecedented nine-day railway walkout.
Unions expect more than 50,000 people to take to the streets of Brussels on Thursday in what could be the largest demonstration yet against the new federal government.
Initially focused on public services and purchasing power, the protest has expanded to denounce broader “imbalances” in the coalition’s agenda. Key grievances include stricter measures on unemployment benefits, cuts to public services, pension reforms and increased workplace flexibility.
The demonstration is expected to cause significant disruption, particularly in public transport, postal services and air travel. Private sector participation is also anticipated.
Push for general strike
Beyond Thursday’s protest, unions are planning further action. Socialist union ABVV has already announced a general strike, though no date has been set. Under pressure from its members, Christian trade union ACV has joined the call for a nationwide stoppage. The union had initially advocated for a more prolonged campaign but now considers a strike essential to its action plan.
Liberal union ACLVB, however, remains opposed and says it prefers dialogue with the government. “We are a negotiation-based union,” said ACLVB leader Gert Truyens, stressing the need to explore discussions before resorting to a strike.
Nine-day rail strike
Two railway unions, VSOA Spoor and OVS, have announced a nine-day strike from 21 February to 2 March. The walkout, primarily targeting government pension reforms and budget cuts to rail operator SNCB, threatens to bring Belgium’s rail network to a near standstill.
A smaller union, ASTB, plans a five-day strike within that period, adding to the disruption. While these are not the largest unions in the sector, significant disruption is expected, particularly as the strike coincides with the school holidays in French-speaking education.
Further negotiations are planned, but with tensions high, Belgium faces a prolonged period of industrial unrest.
“The strike is a slap in the face of commuters, workers in less privileged sectors and future generations who rely on us to secure pensions”
Government response
The government has yet to make a direct statement on the planned strikes, but CD&V leader Sammy Mahdi, who participated in the coalition talks, strongly condemned the railway strike plans, calling them “completely irresponsible”.
“Organising total chaos on the railways because you’re the only sector that can’t retire at 55? Irresponsible,” Mahdi said. He described the strike as “a slap in the face of commuters, workers in less privileged sectors and future generations who rely on us to secure pensions.”
Meanwhile, prime minister Bart De Wever is set to meet union and employer representatives on Wednesday in what will be the first official talks between the government and the Group of Ten, the country’s key social partners.
Cancelled flights at Brussels Airport © BELGA PHOTO THIERRY ROGE
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