Socialist public sector union to strike on 22 April

The socialist trade union for public sector workers, ACOD, has called for a general strike on Wednesday, 22 April. The action, which will affect rail, post, school and government offices across the entire country, is in protest at recent federal government policies.

The actions are in response to cost-cutting measures such as the change to rules on early retirement. The union is also protesting at a lack of investment in the public sector, which has led to a rise in work-related stress.

“This is not a political strike,” said ACOD chair Chris Reniers. “We are calling on members to target the various governments as our employers”. She said that she hoped the other public sector trade unions would join the action.

VSOA, the liberal trade union for public sector workers, said it will decide on Monday if its members will join the strike, said secretary-general Henk Herman. The Christian trade union for public sector workers, ACV, said it would decide before the end of March. “A general strike is not to be taken lightly,” said chair Luc Hamelinck.

The federal minister for public services, Steven Vandeput, said that the reforms and austerity measures are necessary to ensure a balanced budget. But he insisted that he was open to constructive dialogue.

photo by Kristof Van Accom/BELGA