Belgium is set to come to a standstill on Monday, March 31, as workers across various sectors join a nationwide general strike in protest against the Federal Government’s budget cuts.
The industrial action, spearheaded by the socialist trade union FGTB/ABVV and Christian union CSC/ACV, is expected to cause major disruptions to transport, education, waste collection, and other public services.
Widespread Travel Disruptions
One of the most significant impacts will be felt at Belgium’s airports, where hundreds of flights have already been cancelled. Brussels Airport confirmed that all 244 departing flights scheduled for Monday have been scrapped, while arriving flights may also face disruptions.
Charleroi Airport has also announced a complete halt to operations due to staff shortages affecting security. Airlines, including Brussels Airlines and TUI fly, are working on rebooking options for affected passengers.
Public transport will also be severely affected. Brussels’ STIB/MIVB metro, tram, and bus networks are expected to experience significant delays and cancellations, while Flemish operator De Lijn and Wallonia’s TEC have warned of major disruptions.
The national railway company SNCB/NMBS anticipates fewer trains will run, though the precise extent of the disruption will only become clear over the weekend.
Public Services and Education Impacted
Rubbish collection services in Brussels are expected to be hampered, with the Cleanliness Agency warning that waste pickup rounds could be delayed.
While alternative collection rounds will be scheduled, authorities are advising residents to follow their normal waste disposal schedules unless instructed otherwise.
The strike is also expected to affect local services such as municipal councils, residential care centres, and childcare facilities, with service levels expected to be reduced to those of a typical Sunday.
Some local governments, such as Antwerp, have preemptively warned residents to expect service disruptions.
Teachers’ unions have confirmed that approximately 20% of educators in Flanders will participate in the strike, protesting planned pension reforms that could see their retirement benefits reduced. While many schools will remain open, some will operate on a reduced schedule, offering daycare instead of regular classes.
Industrial and Cultural Sectors Join the Movement
Businesses and industrial sites will also be affected, with unions planning picket lines at various locations. Several major companies, including steel producer Aperam and Nike’s distribution centre in Laakdal, will shut down operations for the day.
Some businesses, such as drug distributor Febelco, are opting for alternative protest methods, including symbolic demonstrations.
The cultural sector will also participate in the strike, with artists protesting federal pension reforms that could significantly impact their earnings and benefits.
Poetry, music, and theatre performances will be staged at Place de la Monnaie in Brussels and Operaplein in Antwerp as a form of artistic resistance.
Belgium Faces a Day of Uncertainty
As the scale of the strike unfolds, it remains uncertain how extensive the disruptions will be. The unions are calling for solidarity among workers, arguing that the government’s budget cuts unfairly target lower-income groups while failing to impose greater financial responsibility on wealthier individuals and corporations.
The Brussels Times will provide live coverage throughout the day as events develop. Citizens are encouraged to check official channels for updates on transport and public services.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
