Good afternoon.
As I was sitting down to write today's BIB, news came through of more strike action in November. Not one day, not two, but three consecutive days – yes, three.
The unions said they would meet again today following the last national day of action, which was only a week ago, and that there would be more strike action before the end of the year, but I'm not sure anyone quite expected the ramping up of action to this extent.
One has to wonder if this is counterproductive. History shows that public sympathy for industrial action will only stretch so far and for so long.
The unions say they are not being heard, so what conversations are actually taking place behind closed doors? Or are we now in a situation where both sides have been pushed into positions from which they will find it increasingly hard to back down?
Many people we speak to accept that huge reforms need to be made, and that maintaining the status quo is unsustainable. So where do we go from here?
Nowhere – unless someone takes responsibility for breaking the deadlock, from either side. Is there a lack of will or a lack of imagination?
I will say it again: surely there has to be a more sophisticated way of going about this than another day – sorry, another three days – of industrial action that will genuinely affect many people across all levels of society.
On a lighter note, and to distract us from the chaos, it's that time again! It's another Full Circle Pub Quiz in partnership with us here at The Brussels Times. The Full Circle will be hosting on 29 October, and the team here will be writing the questions – and appropriately, there will be some Halloween-themed posers included. The last one was great fun, and you get to meet some of The Brussels Times newsroom, so please join us for a night of trivia, drinks and good company – even if we say so ourselves.
You can register here.
See you there!
Belgium in Brief is a free daily roundup of the top stories to get you through your coffee break conversations. To receive it straight to your inbox every day, sign up below:
1. Three-day strike to hit Belgium in November, unions announce
Last week, around 100,000 people took to the streets of Brussels to voice their concerns and protest against the austerity measures. Read more.
2. Belgians on the poverty line: How the regions compare
New Statbel data lays bare stark regional inequalities in Belgium. Read more.
3. Why is Brussels water so hard and should something be done about it?
Brussels is categorised as having 'hard to very hard' water - but while that might be a nuisance for appliances, it is entirely within legal limits. Read more.
4. Copains to Copines: French gluten free bakery rebrands due to name dispute
The Parisian luxury bakery group is changing its name in Belgium due to a rights issue with an eponymous Walloon bakery – just days before opening. Read more.
5. Flemish crematorium uses ‘water cremation’ for the first time in Belgium
The process mimicks the process of natural decomposition by using water, heat and pressure to break down tissue. Read more.
6. Former PM De Croo lands a top job at UN
The former Prime Minister is leaving the Federal Parliament. Read more.
7. Eric Clapton in concert in Antwerp on Sunday 26 April
Eric Clapton will perform on 26 April 2026, at the Afas Dome in Antwerp. Organisers say the show will be 'ünforgettable.' Read more.
