Day 3 of Belgium's national strike: Several disruptions as workers join action

Belgium is set to face significant disruptions today as both the public and private sectors join the final day of the country's three-day strike.

The days of action were called by the Belgian trade unions last month to denounce a series of austerity measures by the centre-right Federal Government, impacting pensions and working conditions, among other things.

On Monday, the first day of the multi-day strike, the Arizona coalition officially reached an agreement on its federal budget, which seeks to reduce the government deficit by €9.2 billion by 2029.

The agreement was met with criticism from unions, with the union FGTB-ABVV saying it "places the burden on those who work and are ill, while large fortunes once again get off lightly."

The first two days of union actions this week were marked by disruptions to some administrative services as well as significant disruptions to public transport and bin bag collections. These are set to continue today.

Although no big demonstrations are planned across the capital, picket lines throughout the country may cause additional traffic disruptions and block the entrance to some shops and companies, according to a spokesperson for the union CGSLB-ACLVB.

The Brussels Times will be covering the national strike live as it unfolds.

An overview of the expected disruptions can be read here.

Key updates:

Brussels demonstration between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Only 2 metros in Brussels

No ferries in Flanders

[16:34] - Live blog closed

This live blog is now closed. Thank you for following The Brussels Times' strike coverage.

You can check out our overview of the strike disruptions for more information on where to stay informed on the latest transport disruptions and what to do if your rubbish bags have not been collected.

[16:27] - Metros, buses, and trams back to normal on Thursday

The Brussels transport operator, STIB, expects all services in its network to operate as normal from tomorrow, a spokesperson told The Brussels Times.

[16:10] - Tram 10 running across the capital

The Brussels tram line 10 is running between the stops Nelson Mandela and Churchill.

[16:05] - Brussels Airport to operate normally tomorrow

A total of 68,000 passengers are expected tomorrow in Zaventem, around 8,000 more than usual, a spokesperson told The Brussels Times.

The airport expects to have enough staff tomorrow to operate flights as usual.

Passengers are encouraged to consult the slot advice tool for advice on what time to arrive at the airport.

[15:47] - Protesters gather at Mont des Arts

Thousands gathered in Brussels as part of an action by the cultural sector against austerity policies. Among the crowd were artists, socio-cultural workers, union members, and also supportive citizens.

Since 2 pm, there have been speeches, songs and performances at Mont des Arts. The organisers highlighted loss of pension rights for certain artists, reduced funding and budget cuts.

A protest action by the cultural sector in Brussels, during a general strike to denounce the consequences of federal government measures, on Wednesday 26 November 2025 in Brussels. Credit: Belga/Marius Burgelman

[15:30] - Socialist Party walks out of Walloon Parliament 'in support of workers'

The symbolic gesture took place during the plenary session of the Walloon Parliament this afternoon, according to Belga News Agency.

"We expect you not to turn a deaf ear to the cries of workers and the middle classes. We need you to change your approach," said PS leader in the Walloon Parliament, Christie Morreale.

The Walloon Minister-President, Adrien Dolimont (MR), acknowledged the concerns that exist among citizens but added that it is "completely false that we are always targeting the same people."

He added: "We try to find a balance in every decision we make. Nevertheless, the equation is simple: there can be no recovery without fiscal consolidation."

Politicians leave a plenary session of the Walloon Parliament in Namur, Wednesday 26 November 2025. Credit: Belga/Bruno Fahy

[14:56] - Brussels tram 4 and 82 routes extended

Tram line 4 is now running between Brussels-North and Stalle. Tram line 82 is running between Station Berchem and Neerstalle.

Earlier today, the routes for both lines were shortened due to the strike.

[14:48] - 5,769 Flemish teachers and support staff on strike

The provisional figure is significantly lower than yesterday, when 25,332 teachers went on strike.

Nonetheless, this is the first time since 2001 that the Flemish education sector has gone on strike for two consecutive days.

[14:34] - NGO workers joined national strike in Brussels

Around 200 NGO workers gathered today by the Mundo Madou office, which is a co-working space for several non-profits.

"NGO workers are usually seen as the 'outsiders' as they are mostly [an] international workforce; but they live here, they are employed under Belgian contracts, and Arizona measures has severe impacts on them," a spokesperson for the European Public Service Union (EPSU) told The Brussels Times.

According to the spokesperson, UN's Special Rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, Gina Romero, was also present to show her support.

A picket line was formed in Brussels by NGO workers on 26 November 2025. Credit: EPSU

A picket line was formed in Brussels by NGO workers on 26 November 2025. Credit: EPSU

[13:53] - Childcare services denounce the non-indexation of subsidies

Protestors gathered in front of the Tournai station, in Wallonia, and expressed concerns about budgetary measures and staff shortages impacting nurseries and other childcare services from the French-speaking community.

The action took place as a separate protest to the trade union actions.

Childcare sector denounces austerity measures with protest in Tournai on Wednesday 26 November 2025 in Tournai. Credit: Belga/Geoffrey Devaux

Childcare sector denounces austerity measures with protest in Tournai on Wednesday 26 November 2025 in Tournai. Credit: Belga/Geoffrey Devaux

Childcare sector denounces austerity measures with protest in Tournai on Wednesday 26 November 2025 in Tournai. Credit: Belga/Geoffrey Devaux

[13:31] - Cyclists knocked to the ground trying to cross Antwerp picket line

The two cyclists were trying to cross an area around the port of Antwerp that was blocked by strikers when they were knocked to the ground, according to Belga News, citing the Federal police.

It is unclear if the incident was an accident.

The police intervened, and the cyclists were allowed to take a detour to get to work.

[13:18] - Brussels traffic disruptions until 4pm

Brussels Mobility warned once again that a demonstration across the capital will impact traffic over the next few hours.

The demonstration will go through Place du Trône, Rue du Luxembourg, Place du Luxembourg, Rue de Trêves, Rue Belliard, and Place Jean Rey.

Demonstration route. Credit: Brussels Mobility

[13:12] - Limited ferry services on Thursday

The current schedule for 27 November by the Maritime Services and Coastal Agency expects the Sint-Anna ferry to operate between midnight and 7am, while both the Bazel-Hemiksem and the Kruibeke-Hoboken ferry should be operational between 5am and 8am.

[13:04] - Teachers and students form human chain in Wallonia

The staff and students at the Saint-Augustin College in Enghien joined the day of action to protest against government measures affecting education.

[12:54] - Domestic workers protest in Brussels

Domestic workers hold a protest action at the headquarters of the Federgon sector organization in Brussels on Wednesday 26 November 2025. Credit: Belga/Timon Ramboer

Domestic workers hold a protest action at the headquarters of the Federgon sector organization in Brussels on Wednesday 26 November 2025. Credit: Belga/Timon Ramboer

Domestic workers hold a protest action at the headquarters of the Federgon sector organization in Brussels on Wednesday 26 November 2025. Credit: Belga/Timon Ramboer

[12:40] - Strike impacts supermarkets' distribution centres

Picket lines have been set up at distribution centres for several supermarkets, including Delhaize, Colruyt, and Aldi.

While some supermarkets across the country have been (temporarily) closed, the vast majority do not appear to be significantly disrupted.

[11:15] - Belgian prisons cannot guarantee minimum service

The spokesperson for Belgium's prison administration, Kathleen Van De Vijver, warned of precarious situations in prisons amid ongoing overcrowding and a lack of staff during the strikes.

Several inmates have not been able to shower for two days. The Red Cross has joined police staff to provide assistance where needed, particularly with distributing meals.

In addition to the humanitarian impact, Van De Vijver denounced the compromised security of staff and prisoners.

[11:02] - Strikers block part of road by Ghent Port

Picket lines were set up along John F. Kennedylaan, a central traffic route through the Ghent port area.

According to Belga News Agency, union members have gathered on bridges and roundabouts near industrial sites for large companies such as Volvo Cars and ArcelorMittal. Nearby traffic has been affected occasionally.