Belgium was the subject of a nationwide attack on Monday, with heavy losses to both air and rail travel as a result of workers ‘ protests against pension reform programs.
About 40 percent of flights taking off or landing at Brussels air-port– Belgium’s largest– were cancelled, as cargo handlers, security personnel and various personnel broken tools, the company operating the terminal told AFP.
Brussels Airlines, the flag carrier, announced on Saturday that it was required to pre-emptively withdraw half of its planes within Europe to keep long-haul pathways operating.
The controller of Charleroi aircraft, a major European hub for low-cost flight Ryanair, said major disruptions were expected and delays possible.
Railways saw a deluge of delays, with two in three carriages connecting big cities not operating.
Additionally, support was hampered in Brussels and the southeastern French-speaking Wallonia area.
Some teachers, especially in the Dutch-speaking north Flanders place, where national authorities have a claim over schooling, joined the walkout, according to the unions.
Belgium’s three principal unions called for the nationwide strike in opposition to potential pension cuts by the new government.
Following the June elections, French parties are still in speaks to form a new federal supervision.
According to CSC, a trade union, the five functions are negotiating a coalition deal to increase the retirement years for railroad workers and other early-retiring individuals.
Overall” there are at least three billion ( euros ) in savings planned on pensions”, CSC general secretary Marie-Helene Ska told local radio RTBF.
The organizations intend to demonstrate in Brussels during the day.
