News

120.000 Belgian workers have assembled in Brussels for the largest union demonstration in almost thirty years against crippling austerity measures and free market reform.

The protesters came out in force against the governing coalition's plans to freeze workers' wages, lower social security benefits and increase the retirement age from 65 to 67.

Whilst the working people of Brussels will be hardest hit, big business has been spared  - company taxes and social security contributions will  be lowered and there will be further tax breaks for companies.

The march begins a monthlong campaign by the trade unions against the governing coalition and is to be capped with a nationwide strike on Dec. 15. Belgian unions (ACV-CSC / ABVV /FGTB), as well our UNI-affiliates (LBC-NVK, BBTK-SETCa, CNE) say they cannot stay silent whilst only workers are asked to contribute to the saving plans of the government. The unions ask for a fair and balanced policy in which also employers and big fortunes pay their share.