US EditionBelgium faces nationwide disruption as unions strike
The strike opposes pension cuts, VAT hikes, and social support reductions, disrupting transport and public services with rail running at 20% capacity, unions said.
- On Monday, November 24, Belgium began a coordinated three-day national strike organised by three major trade unions, running through Wednesday, November 26.
- Unions argue the action targets pension cuts, VAT hikes, and social support reductions, opposing the five‑party coalition's budget deal including 9.2 billion in savings by 2029, led by Prime Minister Bart De Wever.
- Planned in three waves, organisers set out trains and public transport striking first on Monday, followed by public services and a full general strike, using walkouts, road blockades and cancelled Eurostars.
- Airports warned that no flights are expected Wednesday at Brussels‑Zaventem Airport and Charleroi Airport as commuter and cross‑border rail passengers face heavy delays and cancellations.
- Despite the budget accord, political fallout includes strikes proceeding Monday, legal experts debating the right to strike over critical infrastructure, and unions seeking reform renegotiation while the government defends NATO commitments and fiscal sustainability.
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119 Articles
It is mainly trains and flights that are affected on Monday. The ruling coalition agreed on a plan of savings.
Belgium faces nationwide disruption as unions strike
Belgium is set for a new phase of labor unrest as unions launch coordinated walkouts against the government's savings plans. The action, already affecting rail passengers, is set to widen to include schools and airports.
The strikers are blocking the country to protest against the coalition government's plan for economies and structural reforms, which on Monday presented a budgetary shock of €9.2 billion in savings by 2030.
The strikers are blocking the country to protest against the coalition government's plan for economies and structural reforms, which on Monday presented a budgetary shock of €9.2 billion in savings by 2030.
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