BRUSSELS: Public transport, air travel, schools, and essential services were disrupted across Belgium on Monday as a nationwide strike took place to protest proposed pension reforms by the coalition forming the new federal government, reported Xinhua.
In Brussels, more than 30,000 protesters, including firefighters, teachers, and union members, marched to the roads.
Unions denounced the proposed pension reforms as an “attack on pensions”, calling for improved working conditions, increased employer contributions, and shorter career requirements for demanding professions. They also criticised corporate tax breaks, arguing that the reforms would place an unfair burden on workers.
Public transport was severely affected, with only one in three trains operating between major cities. In Brussels, metro, tram, and bus services ran at reduced capacity, while most bus routes in Wallonia were completely suspended.
Air travel also faced significant disruptions, with approximately 40 per cent of flights at Brussels Airport cancelled and all flights at Charleroi Airport suspended from midday onward.
The education sector was hit hard, with about 40 per cent of primary and secondary schools in Flanders closed.
In addition, garbage collection and postal services experienced delays in Brussels and Walloon Brabant. – BERNAMA-XINHUA
