General strike on Tuesday: What we know so far

Key Points of the Belgian General Strike

A general strike is set to take place in Belgium on Tuesday, April 29th, involving workers from both the private and public sectors. This action is a protest against the new Federal Government's budget cuts, which unions claim undermine workers' rights and social solidarity.

• Unions Involved: The Christian union CVC/ACV and socialist union FGTB/ABVV are leading the strike.
• Reasons for Strike: Protests against measures such as longer work hours for lower pensions, erosion of the civil servants' statute, and cuts to unemployment and long-term sickness benefits.

Impact on Transportation

Significant disruptions to transportation are expected across the country.

• Airports: Brussels Airport anticipates significant flight disruptions, while Charleroi Airport expects fewer issues but advises arriving 3 hours early.
• Public Transportation: STIB/MIVB (Brussels public transport) expects serious disruptions. SNCB/NMBS (national railways) anticipates disruption from Monday evening to Tuesday evening. Flemish (De Lijn) and Walloon (TEC) public transport operators also anticipate reduced services.

Regional Focus

The strike will have a regional focus, with key actions in major cities like Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, and others.