Belgium woke up to chaos on Wednesday as a massive nationwide strike brought the country’s transportation network to a grinding halt, shutting down airports, crippling public transit, and disrupting schools and businesses. The shutdown marks the final and most disruptive day of a three-day protest against Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s sweeping pension and labor reforms.
Union leaders accuse the government of forcing Belgians to work longer for less, slashing retirement security, and weakening social protections. Tens of thousands of workers have taken to the streets, escalating what has become one of the country’s most significant labor confrontations in recent years.
Airports shut down, travel collapses
Belgium’s largest airport, Brussels-Zaventem, canceled all departures and more than half of scheduled arrivals due to staffing shortages. Out of 203 planned flights, 110 arrivals were scrapped, leaving thousands of travelers stranded.
The country’s second-largest airport, Charleroi, also warned of major disruptions as security and ground staff joined the strike.
Rail services, buses, and trams across Belgium operated at minimal capacity, with some regions reporting near-total shutdowns.
Schools and private sector hit hard
Local media report that Wednesday’s strike is hitting schools and public services the hardest, forcing closures and leaving parents scrambling for childcare. The private sector is also feeling the impact, with factories, logistics centers, and offices facing absenteeism.
A major protest rally is planned for Brussels this afternoon, with organizers expecting turnout comparable to a previous demonstration that drew 80,000 people.
Unions delivered a blunt message to De Wever’s government:
“Work longer and harder for less security in pensions, healthcare, and purchasing power,” the socialist union ABVV-FGTB wrote.
Leaders of the liberal ACLVB union expressed frustration that the government pushed reforms without negotiating with labor groups.
Government plans sweeping budget cuts
The strike comes just days after Belgium’s ruling coalition finalized its 2025 budget, including:
- a new tax on banks
- higher taxes on airline tickets and natural gas
- spending cuts across ministries
The government claims the measures will reduce Belgium’s deficit by €9.2 billion by 2029, easing pressure on a national debt now at 104.7% of GDP.
But unions argue that ordinary workers are paying the price for political mismanagement and rising living costs.
The confrontation now raises a key question: will the government hold its course, or will growing public anger force a retreat?