Plane chaos looms as Belgian unions strike over reforms
This coming Monday, no planes will depart from Charleroi Airport in Belgium. Flights have been canceled due to a strike—labor unions are protesting against wage and pension reforms. Travelers will face significant disruptions.
- When and where? The strike will take place on Monday, March 31, at Charleroi Airport, near Brussels.
- Why? Labor unions are protesting against the federal government's wage and pension reforms.
- Who is striking? Mainly employees responsible for baggage handling and security; it is unclear whether air traffic controllers will join.
Major disruptions at Brussels Airport
Labor unions in Belgium have declared a general strike in response to the government's plans regarding wage and pension reforms. "Brussels Airport and Charleroi Airport in Belgium have cancelled flights on March 31 due to a major national strike," reported the Daily Express. The strike aims to protect the automatic indexation of wages and pensions and improve working conditions.
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The Brussels Airport has also decided to cancel all departures to ensure the safety of passengers and staff and to avoid long lines. A total of 244 flights scheduled to depart from Brussels' Zaventem Airport on Monday, March 31, have been canceled.
What changes is the government implementing?
The Belgian government has introduced a reform raising the retirement age from 65 to 66 years on January 1, 2025, and then to 67 years by 2030. People born before January 1, 1960, can still retire at 65. Among the issues the unions are fighting for are the protection of automatic wage and pension indexation and better working conditions.
