On Monday, March 31, 2025, a general strike is set to paralyze Belgium, affecting transportation, airports, hospitals, and shopping centers. The strike, called by the two main unions, aims to protest against government reforms, particularly those related to retirement policies.
Brussels Airport announced that it would halt all passenger flight operations due to a lack of security and handling personnel, impacting around 50,000 travelers and resulting in approximately 550 flights being cancelled. Charleroi Airport has also declared a complete shutdown, with all flights cancelled due to insufficient staff, affecting around 25,000 passengers.
The unions, including the Christian Trade Union Confederation (CSC) and the General Federation of Belgian Labor (FGTB), have mobilized for this strike to defend pensions and purchasing power. The government, led by conservative Bart De Wever, plans to eliminate early retirement options, sparking outrage among workers.
Public transport will be heavily impacted, with the SNCB, Belgium's railway operator, announcing that only one in two Intercity trains will run, and over 80 stations will not be served. Many bus lines across Wallonia will be cancelled or significantly disrupted, and Brussels' metro, bus, and tram services are expected to face major interruptions.
In the cities of Charleroi and Liège, hospitals will operate on a minimum service basis, with 40% of scheduled operations at the Grand Hospital of Charleroi postponed. Several crèches in Charleroi are also expected to remain closed. Public administrations, the post office, and some schools will shut down, while prison operations will be significantly limited.
As the strike unfolds, union representatives are actively engaging with the public to raise awareness about the government's measures. In Louvain-la-Neuve, Raphaël Eberhaerd and Jean-Marc Sengier from the CSC distributed information to inform citizens about the strike, emphasizing that the government's actions would impact everyone, particularly those in areas lacking union representation.
In response to the ongoing unrest, the FGTB criticized the government, stating, "We were promised an increase in purchasing power and improvements for workers’ careers. But none of this materialized." They argue that the proposed cuts to pensions disproportionately affect women and demand that the government respect the working population.
The CSC echoed these sentiments, calling for a clear signal to be sent to the government regarding the lack of respect for workers' rights. Meanwhile, the General Confederation of Liberal Trade Unions of Belgium (CGSLB) has opted out of participating in the strike but is urging the government and employers to modernize social dialogue.
Looking ahead, another general strike is already scheduled for April 29, 2025, indicating that workers' frustrations are far from resolved. The unions are determined to demonstrate their solidarity and commitment to fighting for workers' rights in the face of governmental policies they perceive as detrimental.
The impact of this strike will be felt across various sectors, with major disruptions expected in both public and private enterprises. In addition to transportation and healthcare, companies such as Coca-Cola and AB InBev are likely to experience disruptions in their operations.
As the nation braces for this significant social movement, the stakes are high. The unions aim to showcase their strength and resolve, hoping to compel the government to reconsider its policies before the situation escalates further. The upcoming strike on April 29 will serve as another critical moment for workers to voice their concerns and push for change.
In summary, the general strike on March 31, 2025, represents a pivotal moment for Belgium, as workers unite to challenge government reforms that they believe threaten their livelihoods and rights. The outcome of this strike and the subsequent actions planned for April will likely shape the future of labor relations in the country.
