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Unions plan to strike in Antwerp but not protest

11:28 12/11/2014

Unions are not planning a demonstration in Antwerp, a socialist union spokesperson has said in response to rumours that Antwerp dock workers were planning violent protests on the provincial day of action planned for November 24.

Some sources blame Antwerp dockers for the violence that erupted during the demonstration in Brussels on 6 November when an estimated 120,000 people marched against government austerity measures. Several cars were set on fire and more than 20 people injured during the demonstration.

Antwerp mayor Bart De Wever has insisted that he would not allow violence on the streets of Antwerp. But Dirk Schoeters (pictured) of the socialist union ABVV said that they have no plans to march on November 24. Their aim is to organise a day of industrial action, he said.

“We are not going to demonstrate, but we will do everything we can to make sure that no work is done in the port of Antwerp or in local companies,” Schoeters said.

Police unions expressed relief at the announcement. “This is good news,” said Michel Goyvaerts of the police union NSPV. “No one benefits from a violent demonstration like the one they had in Brussels.”

De Wever said police would nevertheless be ready to take to the streets if necessary. “I welcome these comments by the unions in the press,” he said, “but it would be unwise to be unprepared. We’re not going to take any risks.”

 

photo by Raymond Clement/dewereldmorgen.be

 

Written by Derek Blyth