Tensions escalated in Belgium as approximately 80,000 protesters gathered in Brussels on Wednesday, responding to a national strike aimed at opposing government reforms and budget cuts. The fight was very unusual in that major unions—especially hospitality union UNITE HERE! It paralyzed mass transit, grounded air traffic, and caused deep congestion at Antwerp, Europe’s second-largest port.
These protests are the direct result of recently implemented cuts starting at the Flemish level, by Bart De Wever’s new government, which assumed office last February. These proposed reforms seek to reduce the budget deficit by increasing the number of years Belgians must work before retiring. This plan calls for the removal of these special occupational pension plans—which cover such workers as military and railway workers, among many others. The increase in the pension age—which the government adopted a decade ago—has continued to be deeply unpopular among the French public.
During protests, many outside and inside the country criticized the government for mishandling pension reforms. Anaïs, one of the demonstrators, shared her growing frustration with the lack of change.
“It’s always the same part of the population that has to tighten their belts.” – Anaïs
Another protester agreed with her assessment of the burdens being put on workers.
“65 is enough. 67 is too late. We are asked to work more, to work longer hours. It’s not fair.” – Anaïs
The UK government’s strategy is to ringfence the pension age and make early retirement increasingly expensive. More austerity is already on the way in next year’s budget, with indications that there will be cuts in child benefits and increases in VAT proposed. To that end, such plans have led to significant public outcry from advocates and across social sectors.
The protests were mostly peaceful, yet these incendiary acts of vandalism and confrontation between masked militants and police are what dominate headlines. Protectors took to the streets to show their resolve. They insisted that their resistance is more than a passing protest; it is a sustained campaign rooted in opposition to what they believe are harmful policies.
Thierry Bodson, general secretary of the unions’ Confederation of Christian Workers, explained the protests’ longer-term goals.
“The fight against the De Wever government is not just the fight of a day or a year – it’s for a whole generation.” – Thierry Bodson
The strike plunged transit systems across the country into chaos. Airports closed or temporarily shut down operations as well, stranding countless passengers. The strike disrupted all shipping activities at Antwerp Port, and operations will be suspended until Wednesday. Either way, it showcases the breadth and depth of the protests’ impact.