Belgian teachers will go on strike on Monday, joining a nationwide anti-austerity protest. Previously, workers of the Brussels public transport operator STIB also announced they would join the strike.
Christian and socialist trade unions confirmed the strike to Belga News Agency on Tuesday. The unions are joining the joint front that will be marching through the streets of Brussels on Monday in protest of pension reforms touted by the next Federal Government, currently under negotiation.
The future 'Arizona' coalition made up of N-VA, Mouvement Réformateur, CD&V, Les Engagés and Vooruit is planning on cutting pensions as part of a bid to save over €20 billion.
"Everyone who is worried about their pension will come to Brussels, including those in education," according to Koen Van Kerkhoven of the Christian Education Centre.
"The 'supernote' of federal formator Bart De Wever contains too many elements that we are worried about. This could have a major impact on our profession and make it less attractive."
'At their wits' end'
General secretary of ACOD Education Nancy Libert agrees with Van Kerkhoven. "Our people are already at their wits' end. I can only call the proposals in the supernote pension theft," she says. "'No pasarán!' I say to that."
Both unions say there is a great willingness to take action. "Undoubtedly, lessons will not continue in some schools," says Van Kerkhoven.
However, it is currently unclear how big the impact on schools will be. "It is still far too early for that," the unionist stated. "Many schools are still starting up after the Christmas holidays, but we feel that this is lively."
Credit: Belga / Jonas Roosens
Workers of the public transport operator STIB will also strike on Monday, joining a nationwide protest against austerity.
The extent of the disruptions cannot be accurately predicted at the moment, but STIB is attempting to ensure "at least some service" and will inform its passengers in real time about the situation.
The operator is encouraging people to seek alternative solutions for travelling in Brussels on that day if possible.
