Non-profit sector takes to the streets en masse for more investment in the sector
Employees from across Belgium's non-profit sector will take to the streets of Brussels once again on Thursday to demand greater investment in healthcare and welfare. The demonstration calls on all levels of government to increase funding and support for the sector.
The newest gathering follows a massive protest on 7 November, when more than 30,000 people joined a national demonstration in Brussels. The unions aim to replicate that momentum on Thursday, hoping for at least 15,000 participants.
Call for urgent negotiations
“The aim of the demonstration is to encourage all governments in the country to negotiate on investments in healthcare and welfare,” says Olivier Remy, general coordinator for non-profit at the ACV Puls trade union.
Unions say the sector is buckling under staff shortages and mounting work pressure. To address this, they are calling for measures to make jobs in the sector more attractive. “We are asking for investments in higher wages, stable contracts, more leave for young employees, safe jobs and enhanced training,” Remy explains.
Johan Van Eeghem, vice-chairman of the socialist employee union BBTK, echoes that message. “We want higher wages, especially for irregular work,” he says. The BBTK is also advocating for a broad reduction in working hours. “That sounds contradictory in a sector with a lot of work pressure. But a reduction in working hours can attract people to the sector.”
Pressure from ACLVB
According to the liberal union ACLVB, Thursday's action must send a strong message to policymakers: “give care, welfare, culture and the social economy the attention and resources they deserve.” Without additional funding and personnel, the union warns, “an implosion of our care and welfare state is looming,” says Gert Van Hees, sector manager for the federal health services at ACLVB.
Protesters are also voicing opposition to the effects of government policies, including budget cuts and adjustments to staffing regulations. “We see that federal minister Frank Vandenbroucke and Flemish minister of welfare Caroline Gennez are willing, but are running up against budgetary restrictions,” says Remy.
Broad coalition of sectors
This protest goes beyond the ongoing pushback from hospital staff and comes from the healthcare sector as a whole. Participants are expected from home nursing, elderly care, childcare and mental health services. Additionally, representatives from the performing arts and custom employment companies will also be present.
Demonstrators are travelling to Brussels from across the country. The march begins at 10:30 at Brussels-North station and will head toward Albertinaplein.
© BELGA PHOTO JAMES ARTHUR GEKIERE
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