Trade unions will take to the streets again tomorrow for a national demonstration against the federal government’s policies. It is the 10th major day of action and the sixth demonstration since the start of last year. Why are they demonstrating, and what disruption can be expected?
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What to expect from Tuesday’s trade union action
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The focus of Tuesday’s demonstration is along the same lines as previous ones. “People have to work longer and more irregular hours for a smaller pension and a wage freeze,” the socialist trade union says. A number of measures previously decided by the government are now being implemented, such as Sunday opening for shops.
For many people, pension reform remains a big concern, the union says, as do changes to automatic wage indexation. The unions fear new measures are already looming to get the budget in order.
Do unions see fatigue among their members? “On the contrary, we are noticing even greater willingness,” says Kurt Van Hissenhoven of the liberal trade union. “Our alternatives are not being listened to.”
An-Sofie Bessemans, spokesperson for the Christian trade union, echoes this view. “If we are not being heard, we have no choice but to take to the streets,” she says. “By persevering, we have already been able to influence a number of issues.”
In addition to the trade unions, women’s organisations and the education sector will join the demonstration. At least 80,000 participants attended the most recent protest.
If we are not being heard, we have no choice but to take to the streets
The demonstration will march through Brussels from north to south. Protesters will gather at 10.30 at North station, where union leaders will give speeches. The march will start at around 11.00.
Flemish public transport operator De Lijn expects that only two in three services will run. Services will be most disrupted in Flemish Brabant and Brussels, where only 58 per cent of buses will be running.
The MIVB in Brussels also expects significant disruption. Some buses and trams will be running, but the company is encouraging people to look for alternatives. Trains will run as normal on the NMBS network.
At Brussels Airport, fewer than half of the scheduled departures will be able to take place, while all flights have been cancelled at Charleroi.
Brussels police are warning of severe traffic disruption in and around the capital and advise people not to travel to the city by car that day. They specifically advise avoiding the areas around North and South stations and the inner ring. Parking will be prohibited from 10.00 along the entire inner ring, between Naamsepoort and Lemonnierlaan.