The trades unions of the non-profit sector have mobilised workers are are staging a demonstration in central Brussels today. In a bid to address work pressure and staff shortages across the sector the unions are demanding more investments in healthcare from Belgium’s various governments. Police speak of 25,000 demonstrators. The unions believe 32,000 are taking part.
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Up to 32,000 care workers take their grievances to downtown Brussels
Colin Clapson
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The demonstration started out from the Koning Albert II-laan near the Brussels North railway station at 11AM. From there, demonstrators will march through central Brussels to the Poelaertplein.
The unions hope their demonstration will make the care and welfare sector a higher priority on the political agenda. Staff shortages and high workloads are a particular concern. The unions want these issues to be tackled through improved working conditions with a better work-life balance, more training and more staff.
While the unions acknowledge that investments are being made in Flanders, they argue that the fundamental needs of care workers have not yet been addressed. They point to a double aging process: there are more elderly in society at large and these people have more complex needs. In addition, the workforce of carers is also aging: 35% of care workers are aged over 50. The unions have welcomed an extra billion for the care sector in Flanders, but insist double that amount is really needed. Moreover, the unions feel too little attention is being paid to the sector in the federal government negotiations.