Belgian trade unions demonstrate in Brussels for better protection of workers

BRUSSELS — Almost 20,000 Belgian trade unionists protested on Monday against what they say are worsening working conditions and the erosion of their right to strike. The actions of transport workers paralyzed the metro and other transport in Brussels for most of the day.

Unions are annoyed by companies that want to sign new contracts for workers that affect their social rights, working conditions and reduce their wages. They are specifically protesting the decision of the Delhaize department store chain to change the store management system, directly reducing staff income and rights.

The police estimated the crowd walking through the capital at 18,000.

“We don’t want second-class employees. We want respect and equal rights for everyone,” says the statement of the socialist ABVV trade union.

Unions are also protesting management measures to quell the strike with court orders, including locking down company premises.

“The protection of our social and trade union rights is impossible,” says the ABVV statement.

In addition to public transportation, the day of the demonstration can affect anything from day care to garbage collection.