Union protest in Brussels set to impact flights and public services on 25 June

A major union demonstration is planned for Wednesday 25 June in Brussels. Significant disruption is expected, particularly at airports. Belgian unions ACV, ABVV, and for the first time ACLVB, are protesting against the federal government’s austerity policies.

While there is no nationwide strike, unions have filed a strike notice to allow workers to join the protest. The march will begin at 10:00 near Brussels North Station and move through the city centre to South Station. Tens of thousands of participants, including civil society groups, are expected.

The most visible impact will be on air travel. Charleroi Airport will cancel all incoming and outgoing flights for the day, and Brussels Airport will cancel most departing passenger flights. Only 103 of the 261 scheduled arriving flights will operate.

Public transport will be less impacted. No strike notice has been filed for national rail (SNCB) or regional bus operator De Lijn, which expects to run a mostly normal service. However, Brussels public transport (STIB/MIVB) anticipates serious disruption. Waste collection in cities like Antwerp and Brussels may also be affected.

Unions accuse the De Wever government of social dismantling while boosting defence budgets and allowing corporate profits to soar. They also criticise the lack of real social dialogue. 

This marks the fourth such protest since March. Previous demonstrations took place on 31 March, 29 April and 20 May.

^{Only arriving flights in Brussels South Charleroi airport due to a union strike © BELGA PHOTO VIRGINIE LEFOUR}