Demonstrators blocked shops in the Brussels shopping zone, the strike was also affected by public institutions and supermarkets.
The one -day general strike against the new government’s austerity measures on Monday in Belgium was paralyzed by air, rail and other public transport, as well as several services. TASR writes about it, according to reports of Reuters, DPA and The Times.
All departures were canceled at two main Brussels airports, writes The Times. Railway transport, including several long -distance connections, was also limited. The replacement train transport was established between Belgium and the German city of Aachen, the Belgian state rail carrier SNCB informed.
Public institutions or supermarkets in the country were also involved in the strike, DPA writes. Demonstrators have also blocked access to several shops in the Brussels shopping zone, including operations such as Foot Locker, Kiko Milano, Zara, Primark and Pull & Bear, reports Reuters.
It was a third big strike to protest against the intended government reforms of pension and labor market. The first strike was held in January and others in February, and even then paralyzed transport in the country.
The planned reform is to be rewarded by people who will remain working even after the retirement age and at the same time have been worked for at least 35 years. On the contrary, people who will go to early retirement without 35 years of service would face a fine in accordance with it. Reuters explains that the announced pension system is less favorable to persons with lower incomes compared to the one -off amount, which has taken into account the years worked.
In addition, the government plans to cancel the automatic adjustment of wages of inflation.
The new Belgian government, led by the leader of the new Flemish Alliance (N-VA) Barta de Wever, took the promise on February 3, after almost eight-month negotiations. The predominantly center -right five -member coalition includes the right, centers, but also the Socialist Party of Vioruit.
