A large number of Walloon public service agents are mobilizing this Wednesday. At issue: the budget cuts planned as part of the 2025 Walloon budget, which are of great concern to the unions. TEC public transport networks are strongly impacted.
This Wednesday, in Wallonia, many public services are on strike, thus disrupting the usual functioning of administrations. This movement was launched by several unions to show their dissatisfaction with the new government’s 2025 budget, the adoption of which is scheduled for that same day.
The main gathering is being held in Namur, near the Walloon Parliament, and is intended to allow unions to present their concerns regarding the possible effects of this budget on services to citizens. According to them, certain measures in the new budget could impoverish these services.
Numerous disruptions at the TEC
The disruptions particularly affect the TEC public transport network. In Charleroi, only one bus in three and one metro in three were running this morning. The situation could change in the afternoon. On the Liège-Verviers side, the network is also very disrupted, with only 40% of trips insured.
In Hainaut, Walloon Brabant and Namur-Luxembourg, several lines are affected, but the exact extent of the disruptions is not yet known.
Users are invited to consult the Transport Company website or application for timetables and the most recent information.
Closed or slow-moving offices
Various public interest organizations such as Forem, IFAPM and AVIC are also not spared, with office closures or slow operation. Municipal administrations, CPAS and nurseries are also concerned. “We advise you to check before traveling to these places“, warn the authorities.
Although the education system is less affected overall, schools report that they remain open. In addition, police and emergency areas have also received strike notices, which could lead to disruption.
This day of strike highlights the growing uneasiness of the public sector in the face of economic policies perceived as increasingly restrictive. “We plan to stay as long as possible“, warns Olivier Blaise, delegate present on site, determined to make himself heard by the government.
Why are they demonstrating?
Around 1,500 public service agents were expected to protest against the savings planned by the Walloon government.
These cuts, which amount to 268 million euros in the 2025 budget, particularly target the civil service, with reductions estimated at more than 100 million euros. Unions denounce savings affecting several organizations such as TEC, Forem and IFAPME.
Trade union organizations fear direct consequences on employment in public services, with risks of layoffs among agents.
Another point of tension: the abolition of the appointment system. This mechanism, guaranteeing a certain stability for agents, could be replaced by permanent contracts (CDI). The unions see this reform as an “attack on employment protection” and fear a loss of independence for civil servants in the face of political influence.
On the sidelines of the budget vote, demonstrators hope to make their discontent heard and encourage the government to review its priorities.
At the end of the morning, the facade of the Walloon Parliament was sprayed by firefighters who came to protest.
strike strike in Wallonia strike in public sectors
