Belgium Faces Major Disruption as Unions Launch Austerity Strike

Wed Nov 26 2025 06:17:32 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Belgium is set to experience major disruptions across various sectors, including transportation and education, as unions embark on a three-day national strike in response to austerity measures implemented by Prime Minister Bart De Wever.

This week, Belgium enters a state of turmoil as unions initiate a three-day national strike aimed at protesting government austerity measures. Major disruptions in public transport and education are anticipated, particularly involving the cancellation of flights at the country's main airports. Union leaders are seeking fair pensions and other tax reforms as dissatisfaction grows over the government's approach to budget cuts.

Belgium is bracing for widespread disruption across sectors including public transport and schools this week as unions hold a three-day national strike.

The action was called in response to Prime Minister Bart De Wever's attempts to shrink Belgium's debt by changing labour laws and reforming unemployment benefits and pensions.

Teachers, medical staff, and rubbish collectors will all be joining the rolling industrial action which is set to end in a general strike on Wednesday.

Eurostar is among organisations warning of potential disruption, while the two main airports have advised customers that all departure flights will be cancelled on Wednesday.

The country had already faced several strikes since De Wever, a Flemish nationalist, took office in February at the head of a centre-right coalition government attempting to cut the budget deficit.

On Monday, his government reached a budget agreement he said was the only way to guarantee the sustainability of Belgium's welfare state.

Eurostat statistics indicate that Belgium's budget deficit was 4.5% of GDP at the end of last year, with public debt at 104.7% of GDP, significantly higher than EU rules permitting a deficit of 3% and a debt ceiling of 60%.

This week’s industrial action will unfold in three stages:

Trains and public transport went on strike Monday, with SNCB reporting it expects to operate one or two out of three trains, and several Eurostar services to Paris have been cancelled.

On Tuesday, public services, including schools, crèches, and hospitals, will join in.

A general strike on Wednesday will cover all categories including operations at Brussels airports, Bruxelles-Zaventem and Charleroi.

Eurostar reported delays on some international services due to these disruptions.

The FGTB, a general workers' union, justified the strike, citing a previous demonstration in Brussels that went unacknowledged by the government. High on the agenda are demands for fair pensions, a wealth tax, a tax on digital activities for tech giants, and transparent screening of subsidies to companies.

An action against violence towards women also complemented the ongoing strike actions.

Bruxelles-Zaventem airport anticipates major disruptions on Wednesday with all departure flights cancelled, expecting participation from staff in the national strike.

Charleroi airport has similarly announced it will be unable to operate scheduled flights on the day of the general strike, along with potential public transport disruptions.

City authorities in Brussels warn of disrupted services throughout the action period, while the transport company De Lijn advises fewer bus and tram services will be operational during the strike.