Belgian Christian and Socialist trade unions are organizing another day of action on April 29th to protest against the federal government's social policies. This follows a national general strike on March 31st.
The unions are critical of what they term the government's "social demolition" policies, particularly its spending on arms while allocating limited funds to workers. Their demands include changes to pension reforms, time-limited unemployment benefits, and preventing budget cuts in public services.
Public transport will be significantly impacted across the country.
A demonstrator holds a placard reading 'Don't touch my right to strike' during a national day of action against the Belgian government's social policies on 31 March 2025. Nicolas TUCAT / AFP
Belgium's Christian and Socialist trade unions will take to the streets again on Tuesday, 29 April, to protest against federal government policies, with several demonstrations planned across the country.
This “regional” day of action follows the nationwide general strike held on 31 March.
Unions continue to oppose what they see as the federal government’s “social demolition” policies. Socialist federation ABVV/FGTB criticised, in a leaflet, the spending of billions of euros on arms while giving “crumbs to workers.”
Their demands target pension reforms, time-limited unemployment benefits, and budget cuts in public services.
Rallies are expected in various cities, including Brussels, Charleroi, Liège, and Verviers. A delegation from the union front will also travel to Bièvre in Namur Province to meet with Federal Minister of Employment and Economy, David Clarinval (MR). Further actions will take place in Flanders, particularly in Antwerp and Ghent.
In addition to the protests, picket lines will be set up at various business parks and companies. The unions aim to raise public awareness, handing out leaflets at busy roundabouts in places such as Mons and La Louvière.
Public transport will be significantly disrupted. Transport companies STIB and TEC are warning of severe disruptions in Brussels and Wallonia respectively, advising travellers to consider alternatives. De Lijn in Flanders will also be affected, while the national railway utilility SNCB will offer an alternative service, with more details to be released on Monday.
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