National Day of Action and public sector strike to cause disruption on Friday 9 October and Monday 12 October

For the various trade unions, this is at least the 10th major protest against the federal government’s policies. The government’s drafting of the budget is the trigger for the protest this time. The unions fear that ordinary people will once again bear the brunt of the cuts.

ABVV is organising a national demonstration through the streets of Brussels. It will set off from Central Station and head towards Brussels-South Station (Zuid/Midi). “Hands off our pockets” is the slogan calling for the demonstration. “We want to draw a clear line in the sand and warn the government to keep its hands off purchasing power, the cost-of-living index and sales tax VAT,” explains spokesperson Daan Nelen.

ACV has opted for a protest outside the party headquarters of government parties, the Flemish nationalist N-VA, Christian democrat CD&V and socialist Vooruit as well as the Francophone liberals of MR and centrists of Les Engagés.   Several hundred activists will take part at each location. The trade union is requesting a meeting with the leaders of each party. At 8.30 am, the procession will halt outside N-VA HQ and the MR, followed by the CD&V, Vooruit and Les Engagés.

The Christian trade union says it wants to convey workers’ concerns to government ministers. The ACV also fears that the government will once again pass the bill on to ordinary people. “Whilst workers have already contributed more than enough. And on top of that, they are paying the price for the rising cost of living, higher energy bills and increasing workloads,” says the trade union.

Both unions also wish again to draw attention to their alternative budget plan: measures that could raise up to 21 billion euros without resorting to harsh austerity measures.

Synova, the independent, formerly liberal, trade union, shares the concerns of the other unions but will not be taking to the streets on Friday. The union intends to roll out its own action plan and engage in dialogue with workers.

The unions day of action will result in disruption

Transit company MIVB in Brussels

Brussels local transport company MIVB expects “significant disruption” to public transport in the conurbation. It does not plan to provide a minimum service.

It will only be able to forecast the exact scope of the expected disruption on Thursday evening. It will provide updates via its social media channels but warns that it will not know the full extent of the impact of the day of action until Friday morning.

De Lijn hit in Flanders 

Four in ten buses and trams operated by Flemish local transport company De Lijn will not be running on Friday 9 October due to the national day of industrial action organised by the Christian and socialist trade unions.

The Flemish public transport company announced the expected impact of the action yesterday. De Lijn will operate an alternative service schedule with staff who have indicated they will come to work.  60 per cent of De Lijn’s buses and trams will still be running. Across the provinces, the following percentages of vehicles will be operating:

Antwerp: 58 per cent (Antwerp city: 46 per cent)

Limburg: 61 per cent

East Flanders: 71 per cent

Flemish Brabant: 54 per cent

West Flanders: 65 per cent (Coastal tram: 62 per cent)

NMBS rail services affected on Monday

Anyone wishing to travel by train on Friday will not experience any disruption.

Staff at Belgium's state-owned rail operator NMBS are only taking part in the public sector strike on Monday. It is still unclear what impact this will have on services.

Flights cancelled at Brussels Airport

At Brussels Airport, around 140 flights are expected to be cancelled because ground handling operator Alyzia is affected by the strike. The operator will be operating with a reduced workforce.

According to Brussels Airport, the airlines affected are adjusting their flight schedules and passengers will be provided with information about the status of their flight and any alternatives.

No impact is currently expected on flights handled by a second operator, Aviapartner. This applies to flights operated by Ryanair and TUI fly among others.

Passengers can check which ground handling operator is handling their flight on the Brussels Airport website.

Charleroi Brussels South Airport escapes

All flights at Charleroi Airport are running as normal. However, passengers are urged to leave for the airport in good time. Passengers are advised to check the status of their flight via the airport’s own website or through their airline.

Education also hit

On Friday and also on Monday, there may be disruption in some schools following a strike notice issued by ACOD Onderwijs, the socialist education union.

ACOD Onderwijs will be taking part in the National Day of Action on Friday, as well as in the strike in the public services organised by the socialist trade union on Monday 12 October.

As a result, disruption may be experienced in some schools on both days. Traditionally, ACOD has a stronger presence in the GO! education sector, the official state network.