In Belgium, on the last day of a three-day strike, the work of government institutions was disrupted, public transport was stopped and flights were cancelled.
The country’s trade unions announced a three-day action called “November Call”, opposing the federal government’s planned cuts in social spending, in particular, pensions and intentions to change working conditions.
As part of the strike, a significant part of government employees did not go to work, which led to a partial shutdown of the activities of schools, children’s gardens, hospitals and municipal services. Mail delivery and garbage collection were also disrupted.
The participation of railway workers led to a reduction in the number of trains throughout the country.
Employees of the Brussels transport company STIB joined the strike, all bus routes in the capital were canceled, as well as a significant part of the metro and tram services.
After transport workers from Flanders and Wallonia joined, disruptions in public transport services spread throughout country.
Employees at Brussels and Charleroi airports also joined the strike. As a result, all flights from Charleroi airport were canceled, and departures from Brussels to most destinations.
On the first day of the action, the transport sector was hardest hit, followed by transport and public services.
The government under the leadership of Prime Minister Bart de Wever, who took office in February, is seeking to reduce the “extremely high” public debt, exceeding 100% of GDP, by implementing measures savings.
Trade unions sharply criticize plans to cut social spending and austerity policies. During the year, strikes occurred repeatedly in Belgium, leading to the cancellation of flights and partial paralysis of public life.