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Three-Day strike begins in Belgium over government austerity plan
Belgium is facing widespread disruption after the country’s main unions launched a three-day strike on Monday to protest the government’s newly announced austerity package worth €10 billion. The industrial action is affecting rail traffic, public services, and air travel across the country.
Rail operator SNCB began reducing its services on Sunday evening, and only about half of scheduled trains were expected to run on Monday. Peak-hour routes were particularly affected, with delays and cancellations expected to continue until Wednesday, according to local media.
Public-sector workers will join the strike on Tuesday, leading to disruptions in schools, childcare services, postal operations, waste collection, healthcare facilities, and local transport networks. Unions warned that staffing shortages may cause full or partial closures in several municipalities.
The strongest impact is expected on Wednesday, when workers from numerous private-sector industries will join the work stoppage. Airports in Brussels and Charleroi have already confirmed that no departing flights will operate on Wednesday due to walkouts by security officers and ground-handling personnel. Arriving flights are also likely to face delays or cancellations.
The strike is a response to the federal government’s plan to reduce public spending in order to meet EU fiscal rules and prepare for increased defence investments required under NATO commitments. Belgium, one of the most indebted countries in the European Union, has pledged to cut billions from its budget by 2030.
Public frustration has been growing for weeks. In October, an estimated 100,000 demonstrators marched in Brussels to oppose the austerity measures. Union leaders say the current strike is intended to pressure the government to revise its budget strategy and protect social services.