On Monday, March 31, 2025, a national strike in Belgium is set to disrupt travel for approximately 100,000 people, as reported by the Vereniging Vlaamse Reisbureaus. This strike, organized by unions, is a direct response to the new government agreement proposed by the Belgian federal government led by Prime Minister Bart De Wever, which aims to implement significant budget cuts, including reductions in pensions.
As a result of the strike, none of the nearly 250 planned departing passenger flights from Brussels Airport will take off, and disruptions are also expected for incoming flights. All flights to and from Charleroi Airport have been canceled. The strike is primarily affecting airport operations because employees of security personnel and ground handlers are participating, making it impossible to guarantee passenger safety.
Furthermore, train and bus services across the country will face severe disruptions. De Lijn, the public transport company in Flanders, has indicated that only about half of its bus and tram services will operate on the day of the strike. International train services to and from the Netherlands and France will also be reduced, as the railway strike that began the previous week will continue until Monday evening.
The impact of the strike extends beyond transportation; it will also affect municipalities, prisons, large companies, supermarkets, and various retail outlets. Workers in these sectors are expected to join the strike, further amplifying the disruption.
Affected travelers are entitled to a refund for their tickets or an alternative flight, but they will not receive compensation since the strike is classified as force majeure under European law. This law protects passengers flying from the EU, Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland, as well as flights to the EU operated by European carriers.
In the ports, the strike is causing significant delays as well. By Sunday evening, March 30, 2025, 34 ships were already waiting to enter or leave Flemish ports, particularly towards Antwerp. The Agentschap Maritieme Dienstverlening en Kust (MDK) confirmed that these delays are due to both the announced union actions and decisions made by partners to close locks. Since 19:00 on Sunday, traffic between the North Sea and Ghent has been nearly completely halted, according to North Sea Port.
In Antwerp and Zeebrugge, unions plan to halt work for one hour at various terminals on Monday. Personnel from pilotage services, customs, and the nautical chain will also participate in the actions, which will severely impact the logistics chain. Terminal operators and shipping companies have already begun adjusting their schedules in anticipation of the disruptions.
Despite the strike not being directly linked to the functioning of port companies, its effects are expected to be profound. The unions' actions are aimed at protesting the new government’s austerity measures, which are seen as detrimental to workers’ rights and welfare.
As the strike unfolds, many are left questioning the long-term implications of these austerity measures. The government’s plan, spearheaded by Prime Minister Bart De Wever, seeks to address significant deficits in the Belgian budget through drastic cuts. This has sparked widespread discontent among workers and unions alike, leading to the current nationwide strike.
The strike's ramifications are felt not only in transport but also in the everyday lives of citizens. With fewer buses and trams running, many commuters will struggle to reach their destinations, and businesses that rely on foot traffic may see a decline in customers. Supermarkets and retail stores are bracing for the impact as well, anticipating that fewer consumers will venture out during the strike.
As the day progresses, it remains to be seen how long the disruptions will last and whether the government will respond to the unions' demands for a reconsideration of the proposed cuts. The situation is fluid, and both sides are likely to continue negotiations amidst the ongoing unrest.
In summary, the national strike in Belgium is a significant event that highlights the tensions between the government and labor unions over budgetary policies. As workers across various sectors take a stand against proposed austerity measures, the impact is being felt by travelers and everyday citizens alike. The unions’ actions serve as a reminder of the power of collective bargaining and the ongoing struggle for workers’ rights in the face of governmental reforms.
