This Monday, January 13, significant disruptions are expected in public transport due to a demonstration organized by the common union front in Brussels.
This mobilization aims to defend the right to decent pensions and is part of an opposition to the measures envisaged by the federal coalition “Arizona”.
The demands of the unions
The three main trade union organizations – FGTB, CSC et CGSLB – denounce what they describe as “a frontal attack on pensions”. They are worried about the planned savings, estimated at three billion euros, which could weigh on workers.
In a press release, they claim:
- An increase in pensions;
- Better working conditions throughout your career;
- Shorter careers for difficult jobs;
- An employer social contribution adapted to needs;
- The end of financial advantages granted unconditionally to companies.
The unions are also calling for reinforced social dialogue, believing that a real space for consultation is essential.
Demonstration planned in Brussels
The gathering will begin at 10 a.m. on Place de l’Albertine, in Brussels, with speeches and testimonies planned upon arrival at Place Poelaert.
Impact on public transport
The event will have major repercussions on public transport networks:
- STIB : significant disruptions are forecast.
- TEC : route deletions are expected, travelers are invited to consult the updates available from the morning of Monday January 13.
- SNCB : an adapted transport plan will be communicated on Saturday. A strike notice for railway workers, covering the period from Sunday January 12 at 10 p.m. to Monday January 13 at 10 p.m., has been filed to allow agents to participate in this action.
Waste collections
Bruxelles-propreté indicates that its services will most likely be disrupted on Monday. “Waste collection tours risk suffering from the situation,” estimates the regional organization which still invites residents and traders in municipalities collected on Mondays to present their trash bags according to the collection schedule. If the bags are not collected, it is advisable to leave them in front of the place of residence, given that catch-up tours will be organized “depending on the human resources available”, if necessary.
Other services such as waste collections in containers from traders or building residents, Recyparks, Proxy Chimik tours or even home collections of bulky items will also potentially be affected by the disruptions.
Other sectors affected
- post : mail and parcel delivery could be disrupted.
- Education : in Flanders, Christian and socialist teaching unions will participate in the strike. However, in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, no action is planned for January 13. A separate action plan, including work stoppages in schools the week of January 20, has nevertheless been announced.
A national movement
The common union front shows its determination to defend workers’ rights in the face of measures deemed unfair. At the same time, coordinated local actions could take place in the coming days thanks to an unlimited strike notice filed by the unions.
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