A general strike over proposed pension reforms for public workers has shut down air and train travel in Belgium, with transport workers off the job and protest marches jamming the streets of Brussels.
The nationwide strike was called in response to a plan by government leaders that union leaders say will siphon 3 billion Euros (about $3 billion) from pension benefits they contend are already amongst the lowest in Europe.
“Women and civil servants will be the first to be affected, but the attack on our pensions has begun and it is the workers who will pay the bill,” according to FGBT, a union representing transportation, hospitality and other workers.
The Brussels Times reported Jan. 13 that the strike has crippled public transportation in Brussels as well as inter-city train travel, resulted in widespread flight cancellations and resulted in massive traffic jams in urban areas.
A wide range of Belgian union workers have walked off the job, including military and prison staff, garbage collectors, firefighters and school teachers.
STIB, the Brussels metro operator, urged commuters and others to use alternative forms of transport, including bicycles. Many trains, trams and buses are not running. SNCB, which operates intercity and long-distance trains, said service is being reduced by about two-thirds during the strike.
Brussels Airlines told customers that the strike involves baggage handlers at Brussels Airport, leading airport officials to preemptively request that airlines cancel “a significant number” of flights. Reuters reported that about half of flights at the airport have been cancelled.
“As always, we will do everything possible to minimize the impact on our passengers, including cancelling flights where we have sufficient alternatives for our passengers, or choosing flights with the fewest passengers possible,” according to the airline. “We regret this situation and apologize to the passengers affected.”
The strike is expected to only last for a single day, however.
