Next general strike planned for end of April

A new general strike will take place on 29 April, major trade unions have announced, following a strong turnout at yesterday's successful general strike on Monday 31 March.

Unions say they are also considering actions up to at least October.

The protests are against policy measures planned by Belgium’s new federal government, especially those related to reducing pension amounts and raising the retirement age.

A public transport strike was already planned for 29 April, which is now being expanded to all public services.

This next strike also includes the private sector.

The unions’ aim is to make workers’ voices heard in all of Belgium’s regions in order to show that mobilisation is real and is not weakening.

Discussions on a timetable of action until October are also well advanced and further dates are therefore expected to be announced soon.