Traffic congestion at La Monnaie due to union action

Between 5,000 and 10,000 trade unionists are expected to gather today from 11.00 to 13.00 in the centre of Brussels around Place de la Monnaie. Brussels police are therefore urging drivers to avoid the area around Place de la Monnaie, especially Rue du Fossé aux Loups and Rue de L'evêque, reports brusselnieuws.be.

The joint union federation is protesting against the federal government’s "unbalanced austerity" measures. Belgian rail company SNCB is offering special rates for those travelling to the union action today, and participants are entitled to strikers’ compensation should they lose any wages due to the protest.