A demonstration by European trade unions against possible new austerity measures is expected to cause disruption in Brussels on Tuesday, mainly to public transport and on several key roads.
Tuesday's protest will unite thousands of workers and representatives from different industry sectors in light of the European Commission's tightening of the Stability and Growth Pact.
The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), which called for the demonstration, calculated that the current draft proposal would force 14 Member States to cut €45 billion from their budgets in the next year alone. In Belgium, this would result in a €2.7 billion cut.
"A return to austerity would kill jobs, lower wages, result in even less funding for already over-stretched public services and guarantee another devastating recession," ETUC General Secretary Esther Lynch, who also sat down with The Brussels Times for an exclusive interview ahead of the demonstration.
Road and public transport disruptions
People are expected to start gathering on Place Poelaert in Brussels at 10:00, with speeches starting at 11:00. This will then be followed by a march to the European Quarter where the demonstration will end.
The City of Brussels/Ixelles police zone confirmed on Monday that traffic disruption is to be expected. It has advised motorists to avoid Place Poelaert, the Louise roundabout, Rue des Quatre Bras, Toison d'Or, Avenue Marnix, Avenue des Arts, Rue Belliard and Place Jean Rey in Etterbeek.
"We invite you to use the Park and Ride car parks and travel by public transport," the police noted. Brussels Mobility is also encouraging people not to travel to the capital by car on Tuesday.
The route that the demonstration will follow. Credit: PolBru
Brussels public transport operator STIB warned on Friday that it expects major disruptions on bus, tram and metro lines throughout the day as a result of the demonstration. Its three unions submitted a strike notice for their members wishing to participate in this national demonstration.
Only metro lines 1 and 5 are served, meaning the lines 2 and 6 will not run. Tram lines 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 51 and 92 are also served, as well as bus lines 12, 29, 36, 45, 46, 50, 53, 56, 59, 65, 71, 73, 87 (extended to Etangs Noirs), 88, 95 and T-bus 8.
However, STIB did note that these lines are operated with lower frequencies than for an usual day and has also called on commuters to plan alternative public transport solutions for their journeys, if possible.
Dimitri Temmerman, spokesperson for the national railway operator SNCB, confirmed to The Brussels Times that its services will not be disrupted as a result of the demonstration. "No strike notice was filed for our staff members, meaning there is no need for an alternative offer."
Flemish public transport operator De Lijn is also expected to resume normal operations.
What is the strike about?
New rules are expected to enter into force in the EU on 1 January 2024 regarding the Stability and Growth Pact. Under the current proposal, Member States with a deficit above 3% of GDP will have to reduce their budget deficit by a minimum of 0.5% of GDP every year.
"It would lead to fewer jobs, lower wages, stretched public services and leave most Member States unable to make the investments needed to meet the EU's own social and climate targets," the ETUC argued.
It is still unclear as to what the exact implications of the new rules would be. Negotiations are taking place in Brussels to reach a deal.
The ETUC and its affiliates will use the demonstration on Tuesday to call for rules that put the well-being of people and the planet above arbitrary limits, a one-year extension of the general escape clause of the Stability and Growth Pact and more measures to ensure a fair deal for workers, including better jobs and higher wages.
