Flanders, Belgium: The Flemish Public transport operator De Lijn’s trams and buses, which is around 40 percent and 45 percent, will not be operating on Friday because of a joint strike action organised by trade unions.
Similarly to the large-scale strike actions that have been organised in certain parts of Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia three weeks ago, the trade union are calling on the government to increase wages as well as, in turn, improve the purchasing power of workers. The action is not directed against the De Lijn company.
She mentioned in the statement, “This document is a concrete programme aiming at the equality and effectiveness of the rights of all LGBTQ people in Wallonia.” Moreover, in total, about €2.35 million has been made available for this plan for the next 2.5 years, a tripling of the resources dedicated to the sector.
Morreale stated, “Despite the still too recurrent storms, we are setting the course today to transform things in Wallonia. For it is between sun and rain that the rainbow springs forth.”
Along with this, the announcement comes on the week ahead of the Belgian Pride Parade, which will be held on, May 21, Saturday, in Brussels as well as of. The theme is ‘Open,’ a call for “more inclusion, respect and equal rights for LGBTQ people.”
The 2022-2024 programme was drawn up over several months in close partnership with civil society as well as various Walloon LGBTQ associations that “carry out remarkable work on the ground every day,” as well as identify five strategic axes and 16 concrete and budgeted measures.
Furthermore, this includes the doubling of financial support given to the seven Rainbow Houses in the region, which are “essential in the implementation of the Walloon Plan for the inclusion of LGBTQ people.”
This additional funding is expected to enhance the visibility of the associations’ expertise and to make sure the implementation of their projects, such as psychological and legal assistance, STD screening or emergency reception for those rejected by their families because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
