The demonstration by Belgian trade unions, scheduled for 12 May, will highlight public opposition to the federal government’s socio-economic reforms, affecting pensions and working conditions, among other things. In addition, disruption is expected in the public sector on the day of the demonstration.
The demonstration has been called by the CSC/ACV, FGTB/ABVV and CGSLB/ACLVB trade unions. They are unanimously calling for improved working conditions, a fairer tax system, a better pension scheme and for Belgium to support full and automatic wage indexation. In March, up to 100,000 people took to the streets to protest against the austerity measures imposed by the federal and Flemish governments.
“12 May is a crucial moment. A new balance of power must be established. The more of us there are, the more our voices will be heard,” the FGTB/ABVV union said.
Even though the demonstration on 12 May is not considered to be a strike, workers taking part in the trade union action will be covered by strike action. Ahead of the day of action, several services have already warned of significant disruption.
Brussels Airport has confirmed just over half of outbound passenger flights are expected to be cancelled on 12 May. However, no significant disruptions to national or international rail services have been reported so far in connection with the demonstration. But, according to Laurent Vermeersch, a spokesperson for transport operator STIB/MIVB, the Brussels metro, tram and bus services will be affected by the national demonstration.
The action is also set to disrupt bus and tram services operated by the Flemish company De Lijn. The Walloon operator LeTec has warned that the national demonstration will affect its services. In the meantime, ferry services in the Flemish region may be affected, according to the Agency for Maritime and Coastal Services. No details about possible disruptions are available at this stage.
Although the exact impact on the public transport network has not yet been determined, passengers are advised to make alternative travel arrangements on 12 May, if possible.
In Belgium, the issue of waste collection is particularly sensitive. A spokesperson for the waste management company Bruxelles Propreté said that the impact of the demonstration on bin collections in Brussels is likely to be announced the day before the demonstration. During previous industrial action, residents were asked to put out their rubbish bags in accordance with the usual collection schedule. As a rule, collection rounds were organised to collect any bags that had not been collected.
Similarly, a spokesperson for the postal company Bpost said it was “too early” to determine the potential impact of the strike, adding the company was trying to keep the fallout to a minimum, though there were still outstanding deliveries that had been delayed following recent Bpost strikes.
In the meantime, grocery shops are expected to continue operating as normal. Hospital services in the capital will not be affected, as patients are usually notified in advance of any disruptions. A spokesperson for the College of Courts and Tribunals in Brussels said that court hearings and registration services are not expected to be disrupted on 12 May.
Brussels Mobility has announced that participants will gather from 09:00 a.m. on 12 May near Boulevard du Roi Albert II in Brussels. The demonstration is expected to begin around 11:00 a.m. and end around 14:00 p.m.
