Brussels, March 21, 2025 – Port pilots affiliated with the socialist ACOD/CGSP union launched a protest on Thursday evening against the federal government’s proposed pension reforms, causing delays in maritime traffic.
By 9 p.m. on Thursday, the Agency for Maritime and Coastal Services (MDK) reported that at least 15 vessels were already waiting for pilots, as operations began slowing down due to the industrial action.
“At staff meetings on Wednesday and Thursday, reactions were very strong regarding the impact of the plans on pilots,” said ACOD’s Eddy Hendryckx.
He described ACOD/CGSP as the union with the strongest following among port pilots and anticipated that the work stoppage would escalate over the coming days.
The protest comes in response to the Belgian government’s pension reform plans, which include adjustments to the retirement age and pension benefits for public sector employees, including maritime pilots.
The proposed changes have drawn sharp criticism from labor unions, who argue that they disproportionately impact workers with demanding and high-risk jobs.
Growing Disruptions Expected
The work stoppage is expected to intensify, potentially leading to significant disruptions in maritime transport.
With the movement of ships being heavily reliant on pilots for safe navigation through Belgian ports, shipping companies are bracing for delays that could affect cargo supply chains.
Although ACOD/CGSP is the only union currently participating in the action, Hendryckx believes that other unions will follow suit and take part in the broader general strike scheduled for March 31.
The general strike is expected to encompass various sectors beyond maritime services, amplifying pressure on the government to reconsider its pension policies.
Economic Impact and Government Response
The disruption could have economic repercussions, particularly for industries dependent on timely shipments.
Belgian ports serve as critical hubs for European trade, and any prolonged delays may lead to congestion, increased costs, and logistical complications for importers and exporters.
Government officials have yet to issue a formal response to the protest but have previously defended the pension reforms as necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the retirement system.
Officials argue that the aging workforce and rising pension costs necessitate changes to prevent financial strain on public funds.
However, unions contend that the proposed measures unfairly burden workers who operate under strenuous conditions.
Maritime pilots, in particular, face unique occupational hazards and irregular work schedules, making retirement benefits a key point of contention in labor negotiations.
Uncertain Path Ahead
With tensions mounting and port operations already affected, all eyes will be on how the government and unions navigate the growing unrest.
If no resolution is reached, further disruptions in port activities could intensify, adding pressure on policymakers to find a compromise before the situation escalates into a full-scale strike.
As the March 31 general strike approaches, industry leaders and trade organizations are urging swift dialogue between the government and unions to prevent prolonged industrial action that could impact Belgium’s economy and international trade flows.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
