Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – 2 small rail unions, OVS and ASTB, are going on strike. Belgian trade unions oppose government austerity measures, planning a general strike from March 31 to June 2025, after protests by 100,000 in Brussels against cuts to pensions and social services.
The trade unions in Belgium have stated that they oppose the new government policies. They are especially against the austerity measures that cut social services and pensions. Many believe these cuts affect lower-income workers the most.
On February 13, 2025, about 100,000 people protested in Brussels against these plans. The unions plan to hold a general strike on March 31, 2025, to protect workers’ rights and social services. They are also planning more actions to challenge these policies. While they are against the measures, the unions are ready to talk with the government about their concerns.
What are the impacts of Belgium’s Austerity measures on workers and pensions amid upcoming strikes?
The unions are taking action because the government wants to lower Belgium’s large public debt. This debt is more than 100% of the country’s GDP. The government’s plan includes cutting pension benefits and jobs in the public sector.
The unions say these cuts will affect many workers. They have a strike planned and are also willing to meet with Minister Crucke about transportation and climate issues and with Minister Jambon about pensions. The unions want to protect their members and oppose the cuts. Many people believe the government’s changes are too harsh and could affect vulnerable workers and pensioners.
Belgian railway unions are upset about the government’s plans. The government wants to raise the retirement age and change the status of railway workers. They are also worried about HR Rail, the company that employs them. The unions think these changes will harm workers’ rights and pensions.
The Belgian Transport Federation (BTB) is strongly against the pension reforms. They say raising the retirement age will put extra pressure on railway workers, who have tough jobs. They mentioned that the uncertainty about HR Rail’s future makes workers anxious about job security and their working conditions.
Two small rail unions, OVS and ASTB, are going on strike. OVS will strike from 10 PM on February 21 to 10 PM on March 2, 2025. ASTB will join from 10 PM on February 23 to 10 PM on February 28, 2025. They are protesting new pension plans. Officials mentioned that the strikes would disrupt train services. The unions want the government to change its plans.
