Everything we know so far about next week's strike in Belgium

A national demonstration in Brussels is set to disrupt several sectors across the country next week.

Find the latest updates on The Brussels Times live blog here.

The demonstration, scheduled for 12 May, was called by Belgian trade unions to denounce socio-economic reforms by the Federal government, which affect, among other things, pension schemes and working conditions.

Although the demonstration is not the same as a general strike, those participating in the union action will be covered by strike pay.

Ahead of the day of action, several services have already warned of significant disruptions.

Cancelled Brussels flights

A spokesperson at Brussels Airport confirmed that just over half of its departing passenger flights are anticipated to be cancelled on 12 May.

“Airlines will adjust their flight schedules in the coming days and will inform passengers directly about the status of their flight and the available options,” the spokesperson added.

While the impact on arriving flights at Zaventem is expected to be "limited", passengers are advised to check their flight status with their airline ahead of time.

Illustrative image of an empty area at Brussels Airport. Credit: Belga/Ine Gillis

Meanwhile, all departing and arriving flights at Brussels South Charleroi Airport (BSCA) will be cancelled on 12 May, a spokesperson for the airport announced on Tuesday evening. Passengers will be contacted by their airlines with information regarding their options.

No disruptions are expected at the smaller airports in Ostend-Bruges and Antwerp, a spokesperson told The Brussels Times.

Public transport disruptions

No significant disruptions to national or international train services due to the demonstration have so far been communicated.

A spokesperson for Eurostar confirmed to The Brussels Times that they expect to operate a "normal schedule" on Tuesday. "We will, of course, keep passengers informed of any changes," the spokesperson said.

However, the Brussels metro, tram and bus services will be affected by the national demonstration, according to Laurent Vermeersch, spokesperson for the transport operator STIB/MIVB.

While the exact impact on the public transport network is yet to be determined, passengers are advised to make alternative travel arrangements if possible on 12 May.

More concrete information on the STIB/MIVB disruptions is expected to be communicated on 11 May. The latest travel updates will be available on the STIB/MIVB website, app, or social media pages.

Illustration picture shows Metrostation Arts-Loi. Credit: Belga/Emile Windal

The demonstration will also disrupt services operated by the Flemish company De Lijn. The company announced on Wednesday that fewer buses and trams will be running on 12 May.

An alternative De Lijn service schedule will be available online from Sunday 10 May. Passengers are advised to consult the route planner on the operator's website or app ahead of their journey on the day of the union action.

Similarly, the Walloon operator LeTec warned that the national demonstration will impact its services.

Passengers are advised to consult the latest LeTec online timetable before travelling on 12 May. More information on the travel disruptions will be available from 16:00 on 11 May.

Meanwhile, ferry services in Flanders may be affected by the union action, according to the Maritime Services and Coastal Agency. While there are no details at the moment regarding possible disruptions, the Agency advises passengers to consult the latest updates on the service's website.

Bin bags, mail & shops

Bruxelles Propreté is expecting its bin collection services to be "severely disrupted" on 12 May. Despite arrangements to limit the impact on collections, the agency is assuming disruptions to Tuesday's collection rounds, particularly for blue bags.

Brussels residents are therefore asked not to put them out for collection, but wait until the next collection round in the week of 18 May.

Image of a parcel sorting center of Belgian postal company Bpost. Credit: Belga/Nicolas Maeterlinck

Similarly, a spokesperson at the postal company Bpost said it is "too early” to determine the possible impact of the strike.

“We’re trying to minimise the impact, of course, but there are still discussions that need to take place,” the spokesperson said, adding that current efforts at the company are focused on postal deliveries that were delayed following recent Bpost strikes.

Supermarkets and shops are unlikely to be affected significantly by the union action. A spokesperson for the supermarket chain Delhaize said that there will be "no impact” at its shops. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Carrefour said that several staff members will be participating in the demonstration, but that they are working on ensuring that all shops across the country "can operate as normal" on 12 May.

Municipalities, courts & hospitals

In previous union actions, certain municipalities have reported disruptions to some administrative services. Residents are advised to consult their local municipality's website for information on any possible changes.

Meanwhile, hospital services in the capital are not expected to be affected. Patients are usually notified of any disruption ahead of time.

Similarly, court hearings and registry services are not expected to be disrupted on 12 May, according to Philippe Vanstapel, the spokesperson for the College of Courts and Tribunals in Brussels.

Demonstration details & demands

The national demonstration was organised by the trade unions CSC/ACV, FGTB/ABVV, and CGSLB/ACLVB.

Participants are set to gather from 09:00 on 12 May near Boulevard du Roi Albert II in Brussels, according to a spokesperson for Brussels Mobility. The demonstration is expected to start around 11:00 and end around 14:00.

The union action is expected to follow the following route: Boulevard du Roi Albert II, Boulevard du Jardin Botanique, Boulevard Bischoffsheim, Boulevard du Régent, Avenue de la Toison d'Or, Boulevard de Waterloo, Avenue de la Porte de Hal, and Esplanade de l'Europe by Brussels-Midi station.

Among their list of demands, the unions are calling for better working conditions, a fairer tax system, a better pensions scheme, and for Belgium to maintain the full and automatic wage indexation.

"12 May is a crucial moment. A new balance of power must be established. The more of us there are, the more our voices will be heard," the union FGTB/ABVV wrote in a statement.