Brussels, Belgium – The three main trade unions in Belgium are set to stage a large-scale national demonstration in Brussels on Thursday, February 13, marking the latest in a series of protests against the new ‘Arizona’ Federal Government agreement.
Organizers expect a significant turnout, with disruptions anticipated across public transport, postal services, waste collection, and air travel.
The Joint Trade Union Front – comprising the socialist ABVV/FGTB, liberal ACLVB/CGSLB, and Christian ACV/CSC unions – will lead the protest. Demonstrators will gather at the Brussels-North railway station at 10:30 a.m. before marching towards Brussels-Midi.
According to Günther Blauwens, president of the Flemish railway union ACOD Spoor, the turnout is expected to surpass the 30,000 participants recorded in the previous protest on January 13.
Increased Momentum Amid Growing Dissent
Blauwens emphasized that the unions are intensifying their actions in response to confirmed policies in the government’s agreement.
“The previous protests were based on leaked information, but now we have concrete proposals. There is even more anger; many people feel deceived,” he told The Brussels Times.
The February 13 demonstration is the third organized under the unions’ ‘Arizona Action Plan,’ which schedules mass protests on the 13th of each month.
Union leaders have vowed to continue these actions in the coming months, with the ABVV warning that this is only the “beginning of a marathon of protests.”
Public Transport Disruptions Expected
While national railway operator SNCB has not received a formal strike request from ACOD Spoor, heavy passenger traffic is expected on trains heading to and from Brussels as demonstrators travel to the capital. SNCB has advised commuters to check its website or app for updates and potential delays.
Brussels public transport operator STIB is bracing for disruptions, as many employees are expected to strike. During the previous protest in January, only Metro Line 1 remained operational, while numerous bus and tram routes were suspended.
STIB spokesperson Laurent Vermeersch encouraged residents and visitors to seek alternative travel options on Thursday.
In Flanders, public transport operator De Lijn also anticipates significant disruptions, with a reduced number of buses and trams operating throughout the region.
The company is working on an alternative service schedule, which it will publish on its website on Tuesday.
Widespread Impact on Services and Travel
Beyond transport, postal services will also be affected, with Bpost workers expected to join the strike. Fewer education workers will mobilize compared to January, reducing the impact on schools. However, waste collection may experience delays.
Air travel is also likely to suffer significant disruptions, particularly at Brussels Airport in Zaventem and Charleroi Airport.
A spokesperson for Brussels Airport confirmed that “a large number of flights will have to be cancelled or rescheduled.” Affected passengers will be contacted directly by their airlines.
Road Closures and Security Measures
The demonstration will cause road closures along the protest route. The Brussels/Ixelles police zone has not yet released specific details but will update the public via social media before the protest begins.
As union dissatisfaction with the government agreement intensifies, Thursday’s demonstration is expected to be just the first of many large-scale protests in the months ahead.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
