Thousands of trade unionists gathered at Place Poelaert in Brussels on Friday morning to protest measures which have been floated during ongoing Federal Government negotiations.
Trade unions say around 10,000 people attended the demonstration, which was the first in a series of monthly actions that will be held on the 13th day of each month.
On a stage set up in front of the Palais de Justice and decorated with Christmas trees, a Santa Claus handed out "rotten gifts" to symbolise the measures in the draft government agreement.
These "gifts" represent austerity, the destruction of public services, degraded working conditions, and the end of extra pay for night and weekend work.
Union members pictured during a protest action day of the joint unions, socialist (ABVV-FGTB), Christian (ACV-CSC) and liberal (ACLVB-CGSLB), against the ongoing government negotiations, Friday 13 December 2024, in Brussels. Credit: Belga / Hatim Kaghat
Wearing Christmas hats and carrying placards reading "stop gifts to the wealthy" and "stop social injustice", the activists filled the square from 10:30 to 11:30.
The joint union action day aims to inform workers about the loss of purchasing power they might face, explained Thierry Bodson, president of union FGTB.
"The proposals on the negotiation table are completely unacceptable. What is given with one hand will be taken away with the other," he said.
Unions send message to 'Arizona' parties
The unions also intend to send a message to the negotiators of the possible 'Arizona' majority (liberals MR, centrists Les Engagés, right-wing N-VA, Christian Democrats CD&V, socialists Vooruit), urging them to modify their government plans.
CSC union president Ann Vermorgen expressed concern over the negotiators' proposals, calling for more fiscal and social balance.
"We see that the richest will not be affected. A 1% tax on the most significant fortunes could yield €5 billion, and a 30% tax on capital gains could do the same," she said.
Union members pictured during a protest action day of the joint unions, socialist (ABVV-FGTB), Christian (ACV-CSC) and liberal (ACLVB-CGSLB), against the ongoing government negotiations, Friday 13 December 2024, in Brussels. Credit: Belga / Hatim Kaghat
The liberal union CGSLB highlights inconsistencies in the negotiators' political proposals, particularly regarding purchasing power.
"The increase in meal vouchers on one hand and the removal of eco-vouchers on the other," illustrated national president Gert Truyens. He said he wishes to join the negotiation table to find solutions.
Following this first day of action, unions and activists will meet again on 13 January in Brussels to mobilise on the theme of pensions.
FGTB president Thierry Bodson goes further, announcing a general strike or national demonstration next month "if nothing changes."
"We need to react quickly and forcefully. The teachers' strike mobilised many people, as did the non-march demonstration, which indicates that mobilisation is effective," he said.
People at 'breaking point'
Speaking at the demonstration, general secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) Esther Lynch said that proposed austerity measures will "push people beyond breaking point".
"Some Belgian politicians have clearly forgotten that this time of year is meant to be about spreading goodwill. Belgian workers are already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis this Christmas. The new year will be even more difficult if these brutal austerity policies become a reality," she said.
"The planned attacks on working people are so heartless they would make the grinch blush. These austerity measures are economically self-defeating and create unnecessary suffering for the most vulnerable. But those making these plans should know that trade unions will fight them every step of the way," she added.
