Three trade unions are organising a demonstration next month against measures discussed during the government formation talks, which unions argue will impact workers' rights.
The Common Trade Union Front (the socialist trade union ABVV, the Christian ACV and the liberal ACLVB) have decided to organise a so-called "militant concentration" on Brussels' Place Poelaert on 13 December at 10:30. Speeches will be made intended to increase pressure on the politicians involved in the ongoing government formation talks. The unions argued that the measures the next government has in store for workers promise to be a "major disappointment".
"Why are we taking to the streets? Mainly to send a strong signal to the federal negotiators," ABVV spokesperson, Jurgen Masure, told The Brussels Times. "This is the first day of action but certainly not the last."
It is unclear how large the demonstration will be, as this depends on how many people file for a strike notice.
What are the main concerns?
Belgium's incoming governments face the major task of deciding how to reduce the budget by around €28 billion in the coming years, either by cutting spending or increasing government income. The three trade unions have argued that the tactic put forward by negotiators so far will seemingly hurt workers and society's most vulnerable.
The demonstration primarily draws attention to the need for fair taxation. "Europe demands that we put our budget in order but we cannot have workers and their families footing the bill," Masure said. The current measures on the table were referred to by the unions as "expensive, unfair and useless tax measures".
They also warned the spending on public services will be curtailed. "We are seeing attacks on our public services and the staff there," he added. Other concerns are related to cuts in social security, healthcare and pensions. The government negotiators have hinted at plans to save €2 billion on pensions immediately. Unions say this translates into people working longer for less remuneration.
Union members pictured during a demonstration against the European Union's plans to reintroduce austerity, in Brussels, Tuesday 12 December 2023. Credit: Belga / Hatim Kaghat
Access to minimum pension is also expected to be further restricted. "Women will be particularly affected by this because shorter and interrupted careers will be more penalised than others," stressed Masure.
There is also more pressure for additional flexibility in the labour market. This could include more contracts with zero hours, more nighttime and Sunday work, unrestricted overtime, no pay allowance between 20:00 and 24:00 and more competition from flexi-jobs (a form of employment where a person takes an additional job on favourable terms).
"That is the wrong path. Instead, there should be a stop to flexible jobs and the further "flexibilisation" of labour," Masure argued. "The Arizona negotiators are serving up a package of social regression, and once again it is the workers and the most vulnerable who will foot the bill. Meanwhile, the richest are protected."
