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Belgium: Belgium comes to halt as workers protest new government’s budget cuts

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Brussels, Belgium - March 31, 2025 BRUSSELS, BELGIUM (MARCH 31, 2025) (ANADOLU – ACCESS ALL) SHOTLIST: 1. VARIOUS OF PROTESTERS, CARRYING SIGNS, BANNERS AND UNION TRADE FLAGS, CHANTING SLOGANS 2. PROTESTERS PLAYING DRUMS AND INSTRUMENTS 3. VARIOUS OF PRO-PALESTINE PROTESTERS CHANTING SLOGANS, CLAPPING THEIR HANDS 4. TIGHT SHOT OF WOMAN WEARING WHITE BANNER, HOLDING UP WHITE T-SHIRT 5. PROTESTERS AMONG CROWD UNFURLING BANNER READING “NGOS ON STRIKE!” 6. TIGHT SHOT OF PROTESTERS HOLDING UP CARDBOARD SIGNS 7. PROTESTERS AMONG CROWD PLAYING INSTRUMENTS BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - MARCH 31: A nationwide strike in Belgium on Monday, March 31, paralyzed public services as workers took to the streets to protest the government’s planned cuts to social spending, including unemployment benefits and pensions. The 24-hour walkout, called by the country’s largest trade unions, saw mass participation from both public and private sector employees, severely disrupting transport, education, and municipal services. Air travel was heavily affected as baggage handlers and security staff joined the strike, forcing the cancellation of outbound flights at Brussels and Charleroi airports. Rail services came to a near standstill, with most domestic and international trains canceled. In Brussels, metro, bus, and tram operations were suspended as public transport workers refused to work. Regional transport companies in Flanders and Wallonia also reported widespread disruptions. Schools in several areas were closed or saw low attendance due to teacher participation, while police, prison staff, port workers, and postal employees also staged protests. Municipal services, including garbage collection and childcare, faced major delays as local government workers joined the strike. Unions have strongly criticized the newly formed “Arizona coalition” proposed austerity measures, which include stricter limits on unemployment benefits, pension reforms, and cuts to public-funded job transition programs. Under current rules, Belgians meeting certain conditions can receive indefinite unemployment benefits. The government’s plan seeks to shorten this duration and tighten eligibility. Other proposed changes include raising retirement requirements, increasing labor market flexibility, reforming civil servant pensions, and adjusting the wage indexation system that automatically raises salaries with inflation. This marks the second major strike in recent months, following a similar shutdown on February 13. Unions warn of further action if the government proceeds with its cost-cutting agenda.

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