A nationwide strike in Belgium on Monday caused widespread disruptions, primarily affecting air and rail traffic, as well as public services, Reuters reports.
The strike was called in protest against proposed pension reforms, which are being discussed as part of ongoing government formation talks following the June 2024 elections.
At Brussels Airport, almost half of all flights were cancelled, with ground staff, including luggage handlers and security personnel, walking off the job. The national railway operator, NMBS, reported significant disruptions, running only a limited number of trains across the country. Public transport services in the capital, Brussels, were also heavily impacted, leaving many commuters stranded.
In addition to transportation issues, schools across the country were shut, as tens of thousands of teachers participated in a national rally in Brussels to voice opposition to the pension reforms. The reforms are a central topic of discussion among the five political parties currently in talks to form a new government. However, these negotiations have been slow, with disagreements over government finances and the pension reform plans contributing to the delay.
The strike is part of growing frustration with the lack of progress in the government formation process, as well as the proposed changes to the pension system, which many workers fear will negatively impact their benefits.
