On March 31, 2025, a nationwide general strike in Belgium has brought various sectors to a standstill, protesting against the policies of the new government led by conservative Bart De Wever. The strike, called by the two largest unions in the country, aims to address growing dissatisfaction regarding pension reforms and purchasing power issues.
The situation on the ground is quite severe. The zoning d'Orcq is completely closed due to the establishment of strike pickets. In Froyennes, workers are seen protesting in front of businesses, struggling with a lack of coordinated effort among them. The unions, including the CSC and FGTB, have been vocal about their discontent, with the CSC denouncing "a global lack of respect" and the FGTB labeling the government's measures as "social regression." Meanwhile, the CGSLB has opted not to participate in the strike.
Transportation has been heavily impacted across Belgium. At Brussels Airport, no passenger flights are departing from Zaventem, and 60% of incoming flights have been canceled. Similarly, all flights at Charleroi Airport have been canceled, leaving many travelers stranded. Public transportation services are also disrupted, with the SNCB implementing an alternative rail service and the Stib in Brussels expecting significant interruptions to its tram, bus, and metro networks.
According to reports, the TEC in Wallonia is running at reduced capacity, informing travelers of canceled lines, while De Lijn unions are also joining the strike. The retail sector is not spared, with a large number of stores remaining closed. The CSC Alimentation et Services has filed unlimited action notices starting today for over 20 sectors, including cleaning and food retail.
Public services have also been affected, with many municipal, provincial, regional, and federal administrations halting operations. In Huy, dozens of protesters marched in response to the unions' call, showing solidarity with the striking workers. As midday approached, reports indicated that the general strike was being well-followed in the province of Luxembourg, with even private non-profit sectors like retirement homes joining the movement.
To further support their cause, activists have organized filtering roadblocks, distributing flyers to raise awareness about their demands. In Marche, a soup kitchen was set up, and in Latour, a sausage bread event was held to foster community spirit during the strike.
Mail and package deliveries are also experiencing significant disruptions, particularly in Wallonia, where about half of the usual deliveries are being made. In the Brussels region, this figure rises to 65%, while Flanders sees an 85% delivery rate. Despite this, all post offices remain open in Flanders, while several have closed in the Brussels region and 45 are shut in Wallonia.
Students in Louvain-la-Neuve have mobilized as well, showing support for the unions and advocating for their rights as future workers. Activists from Secta and CNE demonstrated at the City 2 shopping center in Brussels, encouraging shop owners to close in solidarity with the strike.
While the impact on supermarkets has been reported as limited, some stores from Carrefour, Aldi, and Lidl did remain closed. Colruyt has experienced blockades at its distribution centers in Ollignies and Ghislenghien, though it assures customers that stores are well-stocked. Aldi has reported some closures but has not specified the number, while Carrefour claims that 95% of its stores are still operational.
In the province of Luxembourg, several companies, including Jindal and Signode, have halted operations due to the strike. The unions have reported that actions are also taking place in retirement homes and other facilities, emphasizing the widespread nature of this protest.
The unions are particularly concerned about the government's proposed measures that include extending working careers, reducing pensions, imposing financial penalties for illness or unemployment, and increasing workplace flexibility demands. They argue that these changes threaten the stability and rights of workers across the country.
In Charleroi, the situation mirrors that of other regions, with significant disruptions reported in various sectors. Major shopping centers like Ville 2 and Rive Gauche are closed, and many businesses in the area are also at a standstill.
As the day progresses, the unions express satisfaction with the level of mobilization, noting a strong sense of solidarity from citizens who are showing support at the strike pickets. Ahmed Ryadi from the FGTB commented, "We feel a genuine solidarity from citizens who are showing great support to strikers at the pickets in the Centre region." He highlighted that the mobilization is significant, with multiple zones blocked and essential services operating at minimum capacity.
The ongoing strike is a clear reflection of the tensions between the government and the labor force, with unions demanding a reevaluation of proposed reforms. As the situation develops, both sides remain firm in their positions, indicating that the dialogue surrounding labor rights and government policy will continue to be contentious.
