Tens of thousands of people flooded the streets of Brussels on Tuesday in a massive national strike against the Belgian government’s proposed spending cuts and pension reforms. The demonstrations, organized by Belgium’s three largest labor unions, have caused widespread disruption to air travel, public transport, and shipping, paralyzing key sectors of the country’s infrastructure.
The protest marks one of the largest mobilizations since Prime Minister Bart de Wever took office in February. Unions and workers accuse his center-right administration of pursuing austerity policies that disproportionately hurt working-class citizens while sparing the wealthy.
Severe Nationwide Disruptions
The strike forced the suspension of all flights at Charleroi Airport, Belgium’s second largest, while Brussels Airport canceled most departures and many arrivals. Urban transit came to a standstill as buses, trams, and metro lines in the capital stopped running. Though limited train service continued, stations were overwhelmed by stranded commuters.
The impact also rippled to the maritime sector. Operations at Antwerp Port — Europe’s second-largest — were suspended due to understaffing, leaving over 100 vessels waiting offshore for clearance to dock. The MDK maritime authority confirmed that normal operations are unlikely to resume before Wednesday.
Workers Rally Against Pension and Welfare Reforms
By midday, police reported that nearly 80,000 protesters had gathered in central Brussels, waving union flags and carrying banners reading “Social health: vital.” Demonstrators denounced the government’s plan to increase the number of working days required for pension eligibility and to phase out special pension schemes for sectors like the military and railways.
Protesters also objected to the proposal to cap unemployment benefits at two years and to further reduce welfare support. “It’s always the same part of the population that has to tighten their belts,” said Anaïs, 29, a participant holding a sign with the number 67 crossed out — a reference to the country’s pension age. “We’re asked to work more and longer hours. It’s not fair.”
Although the pension age increase to 67 was legislated a decade ago, it remains deeply unpopular. De Wever’s administration aims to make early retirement more costly, reigniting public anger over a reform many feel punishes ordinary workers.
Union Leaders Call for Continued Resistance
Union officials vowed to keep up pressure on the government. Thierry Bodson of the ABVV union declared that “the fight against the De Wever government is not just for a day or a year — it’s for an entire generation.” Teachers, civil servants, transport workers, and dockworkers all joined the demonstrations, signaling the broad scope of opposition.
Public sector employees also protested against cuts at regional levels. In Wallonia, authorities have announced plans to extend the working week for high school teachers by two hours, sparking anger across the education sector. “If higher-level teachers have to work more, many jobs will be cut,” said Sandrine, 48, a teacher from Liège.
Peaceful Marches Marred by Scattered Clashes
While the main protests were largely peaceful, authorities reported isolated incidents of vandalism and arson early Tuesday. In the afternoon, small groups of masked demonstrators clashed with police, prompting the use of water cannons to disperse crowds near government buildings. No major injuries were reported.
Despite the unrest, union leaders emphasized that their movement remains nonviolent and rooted in social justice. “We need to fight for our rights,” said Vanessa, a mother of two from Charleroi. “I’m worried about the future — what kind of life will our children have?”
The nationwide strike underscores growing frustration with Belgium’s economic direction under Prime Minister De Wever. With more austerity measures planned for next year’s budget, including potential VAT hikes and reductions to child benefits, labor unrest is expected to continue. As Belgium’s streets fill with anger and defiance, unions have vowed this is only the beginning of a long battle to defend workers’ rights and social protections.
