Public transport will be disrupted in Brussels all day on Monday as the socialist trade union ABVV is organising demonstrations against EU plans to reintroduce austerity across Europe.
The union is organising actions against EU austerity rules and the impact they will have on Belgian workers and families. "If the next government just starts cutting spending, it will be very painful for workers, the population and families," ABVV president Thierry Bodson warned earlier.
Besides Brussels, actions are also taking place in Bruges, Aalst, Genk, Namur, Mons and Liège, among others. Pamphlets will be distributed and protests will be held.
The socialist union submitted a strike notice to Flemish public transport operator De Lijn. Across Flanders, an average of 57% of buses and trams are not operating on Monday. Disruption is also expected in the Walloon public transport operator TEC.
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The greatest inconvenience is happening in the province of East Flanders, where just under half of buses and trams will run. In the East Flanders capital Ghent, the number drops to 30%.
While De Lijn and TEC both operate in Brussels as well, disruptions in the Capital Region are expected to be minimal. Brussels' own public transport operator STIB should not be affected by the actions, and trains should also run as normal.
