A large-scale mobilisation by the metallurgy industry trade unions took place in Brussels on Wednesday morning, organised by European industrial unions.
Approximately 3,000 people gathered at 10:30 in Jean Rey Square, according to the Brussels police. "Save our steel" was a prominent slogan on one of the signs.
The unions highlighted the urgent need for investment in the sector and a clear reindustrialisation plan to maintain quality jobs while respecting transition challenges and making energy accessible. They stressed the importance of consulting all stakeholders, including workers and their representatives.
There is a particular concern within the sector about the new Arizona government.
Demonstration of the common trade union front of the metal sector on a European day of action to question the European Commission on the current industrial crisis in Brussels, Wednesday 05 February 2025. Credit: Belga / Ruben Hals
Unions pointed out that this government is preparing an unprecedented attack on wages, working conditions, and the organisations that defend and protect workers, namely the unions. They noted that the share of wages in the generated wealth has steadily declined in recent years.
Specifically, the sector is calling for a moratorium on the closure of efficient production facilities, a plan to make energy accessible at competitive prices for industries, and massive investments in infrastructure.
Other demands include the implementation of a support plan for research and development, conditioned on the maintenance and creation of industrial jobs in Belgium, the freedom to negotiate collective wage increases, and the protection of automatic wage indexation systems.
The sector plans to be “massively” present at the national demonstration on 13 February.
