Farmers' protests cause traffic disruption around Port of Antwerp (VIDEO)

Farmers from across Flanders have descended on the port. They have set up filter blockades: roads are not completely closed: emergency services and transports from Seveso companies, which work with dangerous products, will be allowed through. Shift changes at companies in the port could also go ahead, farmers agreed with police.

"We have no intention of taking working people hostage all day. We are going to remain polite," says organiser Stijn Zelderloo. " Mainly, we want to block heavy bulk transport." Due to the traffic jams caused by the blockades, many cars and buses are having to queue in tailbacks.

"We want to show our determination and keep pressure on politicians," Zelderloo explained. The farmers are demanding concrete action. Yesterday was the third occasion there were talks between farmers' organisations and the Flemish government, for the time being without result. On Thursday, they will meet again.

The protests are initiated by individual farmers, farmers' organisations Boerenbond and the Algemeen Boerensyndicaat (ABS) are not involved in the organisation of the protests. The more militant ABS welcomes the protests. "A week and a half after the big protests, there are still no results. Many farmers fear that they will be sent packing," says spokesman Mark Wulfrancke.

The choice of the port of Antwerp is no accident. "As an important economic sector, farmers demand the same respect and recognition that the port and port companies also enjoy," farmers say. 

 

Companies affected

 

The impact on the port is huge, says Antwerp port alderman Annick De Ridder (nationalist/N-VA). "There is a lot of disruption, both on the left and right banks. People need to be able to get to and leave work unhindered and that seems to be very difficult at the minute."

 

At transport company Van Moer in Kallo (East Flanders), only 20 per cent of workers are at work. "Only staff from the early shift are at work. We had asked them to come extra early before the blockades started. Our office staff are working from home today as a precaution," explained spokesperson Felien van Oost. "So we will have to review our schedule for today. Only later today will the impact really be clear."

 

Companies are meanwhile looking for ways of breaking the blockades, Ms De Ridder explains. "Affected companies are trying to continue accessing their businesses and are petitioning the courts. Behind the scenes, we are trying to give them our full support."