Trade unions plan new industrial action after the summer: ‘Government is continuing the cuts’

“The agreement reached by the federal government just before the summer holidays confirms that it is sticking to its policy of social cuts, without addressing the concerns of working people and benefit claimants,” the statement reads.

The unions are therefore announcing new industrial action after the summer. Exactly what this will entail is not yet known.

The press release was issued by socialist ABVV and Christian ACV. Synova, the independent trade union, formerly liberal trade union, is not included. It believes it is still too early to announce industrial action.

‘Sending a strong message’

‘After the summer, we will step up our efforts to provide the public – both on the streets and in the workplace – with comprehensive information and raise awareness. We are calling for a broad-based social mobilisation to send a strong message to political decision-makers.’

The unions are worried about planned talks in the 5-way coalition on the future budget.  These are due to take place after the summer. “Prime Minister Bart De Wever (Flemish nationalist N-VA) appears once again to be reverting to his ‘four-leaf clover’ approach: putting extra pressure on spending power via the index and (the sales tax) VAT, cuts to healthcare, and ever-stricter monitoring of the long-term sick.”

“For the united trade union front, this austerity logic is not a law of nature. Other choices are possible, provided there is the political will to actually implement them.”

The trade unions have been campaigning against the government’s policies ever since the De Wever I government took office. The most recent national demonstration took place on 12 May. According to the police, 40,000 people took to the streets in Brussels on that day.