SLFP Police (Syndical Libre de la Fonction Publique, a public sector union) has organized this Friday 4 protests against the retirement age for police officer being brought up from 58 to 62 years. 2 actions were started this morning at Brussels airport and in Zeebrugge, another one is planned for 2.00pm at the Eurostar high-speed train departure terminal and the last one will take place around the European summit.
Border police at Brussels airport intended to work to rule this morning making security procedures at boarding gates last twice as long as usual. ‘Checks will take 2 to 3 minutes per passenger instead of one’’, points out Vincent Gilles, National President of SLFP Police. Airport authorities are recommending passengers come to the airport an hour earlier than planned.
Problems were also noted at the Port of Zeebrugge where a similar action started at approximately 6.00am is currently affecting both travellers and contractors using ferries to England. At 9.00am the queues were already several kilometres long but the movement should not last all day, says Mr. Gilles.
This afternoon at approximately 2.00pm another work-to-rule movement is planned at the Eurostar Terminal in Brussels-Midi station.
The union also took advantage of the European summit to make its demands public with a protest affecting police motorcycle escorts to and from the summit. ‘’We demand that the current pension age be maintained in recognition of how difficult our work is and that our status remain unchanged’’, stated a union representative.
Police unions met with the Interior Minister Jan Jambon on Tuesday and another meeting is organised for November 12th. A ‘notice of strike action’ has been lodged until January 5thfurther protests are therefore possible then.
(Source: Belga)
