Belgium to Hold Nationwide Strike on March 31 to Protest Budget Cuts

Belgium (Eurotoday) – On Monday, 31 March, a nationwide general strike will bring Belgium to a standstill, as workers from both public and private sectors protest against the Federal Government’s budget cut policies.

Services across Belgium are expected to be disrupted as unions FGTB/ABVV and CSC/ACV organize a coordinated strike in opposition to austerity measures introduced by the federal government. The strike will affect flights, public transportation, waste collection, and numerous business operations throughout the country.

The general strike on March 31 includes participation from police forces, postal workers, education professionals, and teachers’ unions. Their collective action is set to severely impact public services, including transportation systems and waste management, as well as a broad range of commercial activities.

Operations at Brussels Airport are suspended due to the absence of ground staff, while Charleroi Airport is cancelling all flights because of manpower shortages. Brussels Airlines has cancelled 90% of its flights but is still operating a limited number of European routes. Passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines to make arrangements for rebooking or refunds.

Public transport is also heavily affected. STIB/MIVB, the Brussels public transport company, warns of “major disruptions” across metro, tram, and bus services and will provide live updates during the strike. In Flanders and Wallonia, De Lijn and TEC services are running on reduced schedules. Similarly, train services by SNCB/NMBS are significantly limited due to striking personnel.

Waste collection services in Brussels will experience delays, with catch-up operations expected in the following days. In Antwerp, citizens are advised to delay putting out their trash in line with local guidance. The education sector may also see major disruptions, as around 20% of teaching staff in Flanders are expected to participate in the strike, leading to potential school and daycare closures.

Cultural Sector

The Flemish arts and cultural community will also join the strike in opposition to planned federal reforms to pensions and unemployment benefits. Their participation aligns with the broader national labor action scheduled for the same day.

“Pensions, artwork allowances, and wages are being reconsidered. As a union, we cannot let that pass, so we are co-calling for action.”

Artists argue that the proposed reforms will significantly harm their access to pensions and social benefits.

“The new government wants art workers to work 156 days a year to be entitled to a full pension. This is impossible for many artists, resulting in sharply reduced pensions.”

To protest, artists will perform poetry, music, and theatre as part of peaceful demonstrations in Brussels’ Place de la Monnaie (10:00–13:00) and Antwerp’s Operaplein (11:00–14:00), featuring a varied program of artistic performances.

Business Impact

The strike is also expected to have significant economic repercussions, with union picket lines forming across the country. Major companies such as Aperam Steel in Genk and Nike’s Laakdal distribution center are expected to shut down operations in solidarity or response to the strike.

Some businesses are engaging in symbolic protests. For example, Febelco, a pharmaceutical distributor in Sint-Niklaas, is handing out cacti to customers, while steel construction company Victor Buyck is initiating work stoppages at its locations in Eeklo and Wondelgem.

Retail operations are also affected. Several food stores are closing temporarily, including Carrefour outlets in Schoten, Borsbeek, Schilde, and Edegem, and the Lidl store in Balen, which will remain shuttered for several hours during the strike.

Why Is Belgium Striking on March 31?

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