Thousands took to the streets of Brussels on Thursday during a national demonstration in support of the Belgian public sector. Protestors are urging for reinvestment in the country’s care and welfare sectors.
Trade unions initially expected 10,000 participants, however union member of the BBTK, Johan Van Eeghem, reported at least 40,000 demonstrators, while police estimated the crowd at about 25,000. Among these were workers from public sectors such as healthcare, education and social services.
The march began in the morning around 11:00 near the Brussels North Station. From there, it moved the Boulevard Albert II towards the Botanical Garden, the Boulevard de Pacheco, the Mont des Arts, the Royal Palace, and the Rue de la Régence, ending at Poelaert Square near the Palace of Justice.
Whistles and firecrackers sounded along with the chants of the demonstrators. The unions stressed the need to address staff shortages and high workloads in the public sector, calling for increased investment. They also highlighted the lack of attention to the sector’s needs in negotiations for a future federal government.
"When we see the bills before a federal government, all we see are savings. We just want to invest in staff, many leave the sector after five years of work - simply because the work is too hard," said Van Eeghem.
Political figures also made appearances at the demonstration, including PS party leader Paul Magnette and PVDA-PTB leader Raoul Hedebouw. Both denounced the federal government's impending austerity policy.
"This is about essential sectors in society [...] We are asking far too much of them and the sector - in light of the austerity measures proposed by various governments - is worried about the future," said Magnette, "We are fully on their side," he added, also calling for a revaluation of the sector.
Hedebouw is of the same opinion: "It is extremely important that people today show that they are outraged and deserve respect," said Hedebouw. The PVDA-PTB chairman advocates for higher budgets for the public sector and better remuneration for employees, as a way to also address the staff shortages.
PVDA-PTB leader Raoul Hedebouw pictured by the national demonstration.
All images credited to Belga News/Eric Lalmand.
