Trade unions expect at least 22,500 Flemish teachers in Brussels on Monday for a demonstration against pension reform

At least 22,500 people from the Flemish education sector alone want to go to Brussels on Monday for the industrial action on pensions. This is what Koen Van Kerkhoven of the Christian education union COC said on Sunday afternoon.

The unions are taking action on Monday against the pension plans of the negotiators for a new federal government. Militants from various sectors are expected, including many teachers.

“It is unprecedented for a manifestation,” says Van Kerkhoven. “And this is just a warning shot. In the event of a general strike, even more would participate.” Because the railway unions are also leaving work, the question remains how many of the 22,500 teachers actually make it to Brussels. The unions have arranged buses, says Van Kerkhoven.

“We are taking clear action against measures that would be detrimental to education,” said the trade unionist. “They intervene on pension amount and date. We not only take to the streets to defend an individual right, but it is also about a social interest. Education should prepare children for the future. We must continue to attract high-quality personnel for this and that is not possible with the proposed measures.”