Trade unions from several European countries are demonstrating in Brussels' European District today (Tuesday). They are demanding better working conditions, fair wages and greater respect for cleaners, catering staff and security guards. No flights will depart from either Brussels Airport at Zaventem in Flemish Brabant or Charleroi Airport in Hainaut Province.
Trade unionists from across Europe demonstrate in Brussels, no departures from Zaventem and Charleroi airports
Published:
Belgium’s three biggest unions ABVV, ACV and ACLVB are among the organisations taking part in the demonstration. They deplore what they describe as a ‘downward spiral’ they say has been set in motion by current EU public procurement rules. Research by the European trade union federation UNI Europa shows that half of public tenders in the EU are awarded solely on the basis of the lowest price, often as a result of procurement rules. Social aspects are not taken into account.
The unions say that security guards, catering staff and cleaners want to make themselves heard. “Every customer demands quality service from, for example, security staff. They have to be on standby 24/7 and be very flexible” Koenraad Maertens of the socialist trade union ABVV said. “Catering staff are also not properly remunerated. Under these conditions are we can no longer find anyone who wants to work in these industries”.
So why don't the unions turn to the federal government? “Because the European institutions have an exemplary role and they are not fulfilling it. They should also take social criteria into account.”
“Standards in public procurements affect wages and working conditions throughout the private sector”, a union a press release reads. The unions want “new rules, which strengthen collective bargaining, improve working conditions and guarantee quality services for the public”.
No departures
With strike notices having been filed by the unions that represent staff in the security, cleaning and hospitality industries there is major disruption at the country’s two biggest airports. At both Brussels Airport and Charleroi Airport, flights will depart today. Long queues are also expected for passengers arriving at the airports. Passengers whose flights have been cancelled or diverted will be notified by their airline.
Brussels Airport is asking passengers not to come to the airport. In total, an estimated 50,000 passengers are affected at Zaventem. The impact of the strike on cargo flights is reported to be limited.
Although planes are landing at Brussels Airport, the airport expects some cancellations here too. “The airport advises all passengers due to land here today to check the latest information about their flight with their airline or via the Brussels Airport website”.
At Charleroi Airport, there is a shortage of security staff, which means no flights can leave there either. However, arriving flights are able to land.