Brussels, Belgium – A nationwide strike is disrupting travel and public services across Belgium this week, with major disruptions expected at Brussels-Zaventem and Charleroi airports on Wednesday as unions protest government austerity measures. The industrial action began Monday with strikes impacting trains and other public transport, and is escalating to include public services like schools and hospitals on Tuesday.
The strikes come after the government, led by Flemish nationalist Prime Minister Alexander De Wever and a center-right coalition, reached a budget agreement aimed at reducing Belgium’s deficit. De Wever stated the agreement is the only way to ”guarantee the sustainability” of Belgium’s welfare state.
Belgium’s budget deficit stood at 4.5% of GDP at the end of last year, with national debt at 104.7% of GDP. EU budget rules require member states to maintain deficits below 3% and debt under 60% of GDP.
The strike is unfolding in three phases, according to AFP news agency. Monday saw importent disruption to rail travel, with national railroad company SNCB running only one or two out of three trains and several Eurostar services to Paris cancelled. Tuesday’s action includes strikes by workers in public services. Wednesday’s full general strike will encompass all sectors, including both Brussels airports.
Eurostar has already reported delays to some international services due to the strike. Bruxelles-Zaventem airport anticipates all departure flights will be cancelled on Wednesday, with potential cancellations for incoming flights.charleroi airport will also suspend all scheduled departures and arrivals on Wednesday. Both airports have warned of wider disruption to public transport networks throughout the strike period.
The FGTB general workers union, defending the action, stated that a demonstration in Brussels two weeks prior was met with “total silence” from the government. Core demands from the unions include fair pensions, a wealth tax, a tax on digital activities for tech giants, and obvious screening of company subsidies.
A separate demonstration against violence against women took place on Sunday, which the FGTB linked to the ongoing industrial action. The City of Brussels and Flanders-based transport company De Lijn have warned of disrupted and reduced services, respectively, throughout the three days of action.
