Companies, roads, transport: the disturbances expected this Friday

A "wave of strikes" is expected to affect the country this Friday, on the occasion of a day of union action. Which stores and businesses will be closed? Will SNCB, Stib and TEC be impacted? We take stock.

Unions warn: a wave of strikes will hit the country this Friday. Organizations representing workers will lead actions both in Flanders and in Wallonia for a number of reasons: dissatisfaction with the government's desired pension reform, the failure of tough trades negotiations, and the growing excitement about purchasing power. The City of Brussels will be relatively spared.

The will to strike will be very strong in the regions of Charleroi – and especially in the Center region (Hainaut) – and Liège, or 24 hours of interprofessional work stoppages were decreed by the FGTB, who will also be followed by a trade union common front in Charleroi.

Actions like corporate blockades as well as actions "punch"It will be possible to go to the blockades of roads and strategic production points such as zonings during the day, and a rally on the common front will be organized at 11 am in front of the headquarters of the Federation of Belgian Enterprises (FEB).

• In the Center region and in Picardy Walloniaaccess to the roundabouts of some large cities, such as Mons and Tournai, will be slowed by the presence of trade unionists.

• In Walloon Brabant, a snail operation will be conducted on the N25 between Nivelles and Wavre, until 11am.

• In Mons and Charleroi, blocking actions on the roads are to be expected.

• Liege, several zonings and main points of access to the principality will be blocked.

• In the province of Namur and Luxembourg, the situation on the roads should be calmer.

The unions are "surprised" at the great desire to strike among the workers. Many food industry companies should be closed, according to Pia Stalpaert, president of the CSC Food and Services. She expects a number of strikes, also for the security and guarding sector and the cleaning sector. Pikes are also expected in front of different large companies or banners in Walloon Brabant, Wallonia, the Mons-Borinage region and Luxembourg.

The Carrefour, Delhaize, MediaMarkt and Blokker could be closed.

A strong mobilization is announced in the industry, within companies like Safran, Inbev, ArcelorMittal, CMI, FN, Chaudfontaine, Derkenne, Prayon or the careers Sagrex in Engis and Moha. Disturbances are also announced in major transport and logistics brands such as Lachs, Swissport, Skechers, Lyreco, Intermarket Base…

"Let's not forget that, behind the government's plan, there are employers' demands: it's time for employers to hear workers", believes Gaëtan Stas, president of the CSC Liège-Huy-Waremme.

Flanders will also be affected by actions ranging from strikes to activists' meetings, picketing in front of companies or the organization of extraordinary business councils. The Flemish CSC Metea expects the activities of companies such as Volvo Cars and Volvo Trucks in Ghent, and Asco in Zaventem are disturbed.

• Vehicles from TEC should not be many to circulate Friday, especially in Liege and Charleroi. Liege, the strike movement will be widely followed: the blocking of several deposits is envisaged and a "paralysis of the network is not excluded", according to the TEC. In Hainautonly 10% of services should be provided in the Borinage and Central Region, but up to 50% in West Hainaut. In Walloon Brabant72% of courses should be insured. TEC bus traffic will also be more fluid in the province of Namur and in the Luxembourg region (respectively 85% and 96% of the buses in circulation).

• Users of the SNCB should not be too worried as train traffic should not be affected. No strike notice has been filed in this sector, according to SNCB and CGSP Cheminots. "If there were to be disturbances, they will be very limited", says the railway company. The day of action will probably be noticeable in the public sector.

• Buses, trams and subways of the STIB should also circulate normally, the Brussels public transport company does not provide for union participation in Friday's action.

• The airports However, they could also experience major disturbances. Brussels Airport recommends that travelers bring only hand luggage, which does not mean that it will be impossible to register their clbadic suitcases. The porter's staff (Aviapartner and Swissport) are called to stop work.