A general national strike paralyzed Belgium today. More than half of the flights from Brussels International Airport have been canceled. Charleroi Airport is closed for the day. Public transport is blocked due to lack of service, as are strikers blocking the exits. Many stores in the country did not open on November 9th.
According to information published on the website of the Belgian public broadcasting company RTBF, major Belgian trade unions have called on their members to protest, citing the social situation, which they consider extremely alarming. Interested groups point to a decrease in the purchasing power of wages, the maximization of energy prices. They are demanding greater social benefits, a tax on excess profits and higher wages.
According to the report, only one metro line and up to fifteen bus lines operated in Brussels on Wednesday. Most of the trains do not run and there are reports that they have been suspended, especially in the morning hours.
The strike not only significantly disrupted the operation of public transport in the country, but also the operation of the airports. Brussels Zaventem International Airport has canceled over 55% of flights, around 200 flights in total. At least 60% of departing and arriving flights are expected to be delayed. Charleroi airport was closed on the day of the strike. Several airlines fly to Cologne, Maastricht or Eindhoven instead of Belgium.
Unions joined the transport strike, causing many supermarket chains to close. The turnover of the shops that did not join the strike is decreasing due to the lack of work of the supplier companies and the fact that the participants in the traffic block exits and entrances several times. Throughout the country, the collection of waste is suspended, the distribution of newspapers is also limited and schools provide only admission. Education in most institutions was canceled on Wednesday.
Significant disruption to public transport significantly increased vehicular traffic, but traffic was hampered by traffic jams across the country.
