On 13 February, ETF joined Belgian trade unions in nationwide protests against the new government’s austerity measures, which threaten workers’ rights, working conditions, and public services. Unions mobilised for a national demonstration in Brussels to oppose these damaging policies.
After seven months of negotiations, Belgium formed a new government, bringing together four parties from across the political spectrum. This coalition, known as the “Arizona” government and led by Flemish nationalist Bart De Wever (N-VA), signed a far-reaching agreement covering taxation, employment, pensions, security, immigration, mobility, climate, and defence.
The government’s programme imposes deep austerity measures that will have a severe impact on workers. These include threats to automatic salary indexation, the dismantling of essential public services, and billions in cuts to pensions and welfare. Trade unions warn that these cuts will disproportionately affect the most vulnerable, undermining the social safety net and widening inequality.
How Are Transport Workers Affected?
Transport workers are among those hit hardest by these policies, facing worsening conditions and job insecurity. Key concerns include:
- Severe budget cuts to rail company SNCB, with proposed reductions amounting to €675 million.
- Deterioration of working conditions for railway staff, particularly train drivers and conductors.
- A significant increase in the retirement age and the elimination of compensatory benefits for physically demanding or hazardous work.
- Plans to open regional rail traffic to market competition, threatening job security and service quality.
- Closure of regional stations, reducing accessibility for passengers and weakening the efficiency of the national rail network.
Additionally, the government aims to expand night and weekend shift flexibility, currently regulated through agreements between companies and unions. This move, which targets workers in e-commerce and logistics, threatens established labour protections.
A Contradiction to European Priorities
These measures contradict the objectives of the European Green Deal, which prioritises sustainable transport. Rather than investing in a modal shift from road to rail—an urgent necessity for ecological transition—the Arizona coalition is cutting investment, attacking wages and pensions, and reducing services.
At a time when the transport sector faces a critical labour shortage, the erosion of secure employment and the weakening of social dialogue will only worsen the situation. The government’s approach undermines workers’ rights, collective bargaining, and the long-term stability of the railway sector.
ETF calls on the new Belgian government to abandon these harmful plans and engage in genuine social dialogue with trade unions. Protecting workers’ rights, securing fair conditions, and ensuring the future of Belgian rail should be priorities—not austerity cuts that jeopardise livelihoods and public services. How can Belgium achieve a sustainable future if it undermines the very workers who keep its transport system running?
ETF stands in full solidarity with our Belgian affiliates as they resist unprecedented attacks on their working conditions, the integrity of their railway system, and the principles of social dialogue.
