12 May national strike: Flight cancellations and disruption to public transport and services

Thousands of demonstrators are expected in Brussels to protest against the federal government's reforms in a new national strike on 12 May.

Significant disruption is expected to public transport, airports and public services due to the action called by Belgium’s major unions CSC-ACV, FGTB-ABVV and CGSLB-ACLVB, reports RTBF.

The latest protest concerns the Arizona government’s measures affecting pensions, purchasing power, automatic wage indexation and working conditions. Unions denounce the reforms that they consider “anti-social” due to current context of rising energy prices and economic uncertainty.

“The workers of this country have contributed enough to the effort. It is time to seriously consider a fair contribution from those with the broadest shoulders,” they said in a united front.

The day of action falls on the eve of an expected vote in the Chamber on the pension reform bill, which notably includes a “pension penalty”. The liberal trade union believes "the challenges are very real and concern us all," whether workers are at the beginning or end of their careers.

Significant disruption to air traffic

Belgian airports will be heavily impacted by the action. Brussels Airlines plans to cancel approximately 60% of its flight schedule at the national airport in Zaventem. The airline said its long-haul network would be particularly affected, due mainly to the large number of connecting passengers.

Charleroi Airport will be completely closed with all flights to and from BSCA cancelled on 12 May. “Due to a lack of staff to ensure safe operations, Charleroi Airport will not be able to operate scheduled flights,” stated airport spokesperson Nathalie Pierard. Affected passengers will be contacted for rebooking or a refund.

Reduced service on public transport

In Flanders, De Lijn has announced disruptions across its network, although it plans to operate an alternative service. Travellers are advised to consult the De Lijn website and app with updated timetables available from 10 May. “Some journeys may be unexpectedly cancelled,” the Flemish operator warned.

SNCB, Stib, and Tec report that disruptions are possible, due to the expected participation of some staff in the Brussels demonstration.

Between 80,000 and 100,000 people marched in the capital during the previous national strike in March, which significantly impacted public transportation and services.

Police and public services

The CGSP Police union has filed a strike notice for the period from 12 May to 30 June. The socialist union denounces the “lack of concrete responses” from interior minister Bernard Quintin regarding the recruitment crisis in the police force, as well as working conditions.

“There is no consideration whatsoever for the arduous and dangerous nature of our work,” the CGSP said.

The union is demanding, in particular, salary increases, improved working conditions, financing for police districts and better recognition of the difficult nature of the job.

Other public services could also be affected, such as government offices, prisons and some municipal services. The extent of the disruptions, though, remains unclear.

Bruxelles Propreté anticipates disruptions to waste collection in the capital.

Photo: Demonstration 12 March ©FGTB union