Strike action is planned across all Social Welfare Centres (CPAS) in Wallonia on 24 April, the CSC Public Services union announced on Wednesday. The union wants to highlight the impact of the Federal Government's benefits reform and the Walloon Government's policies.
Picket lines will be established and leaflets will be distributed from 07:30 on 24 April in front of the CPAS centres in Mons and La Louvière.
The union described the situation as "critical", with particular concern over the limitation of unemployment benefits to two years, which it warned would be a "disaster" for all CPAS. The CSC estimates that more than 120,000 people could be excluded from unemployment benefits in Belgium, including over 55,000 in Wallonia.
The union also criticised the staff shortages within CPAS across all roles, including social workers, educators, administrative officers and psychologists, as well as the cessation or limitation of many subsidies.
It further lamented the broadening of qualifications required to work in CPAS, viewing it as a devaluation of the social worker profession.
The CSC raised concerns about increased workloads. With a 50% rise in cases over the last 15 years but without adequate resources, the union warned of an increase in staff burnout.
Another point of concern is the proposed merger of municipalities and CPAS for administrative simplification, which the union fears could impact the specific missions of CPAS.
