Report by Kamgar Ekta Committee (KEC) correspondent
Like workers in India, workers of Belgium are opposing policies reducing their pension.
On 27 April, thousands of workers demonstrated in Brussels, the capital of Belgium demanding an end to the policies that would severely impact workers’ pensions and incomes. They also demanded the introduction of a politics of peace.
The leader of the Workers’ Party of Belgium said, “The parties in government want everyone to work longer for less pension, particularly by weakening pension indexation.” He further said, “All these parties are incapable of explaining why there’s no money for pensions, healthcare, or purchasing power, but with a snap of their fingers they find billions for war and armament. We refuse to sacrifice our pensions to buy new F-35s (most advanced fighter aircrafts).”
As it happens during election campaign in India, many of the political parties of the present coalition government had pledged to protect salaries and improve workers’ rights during the election campaign. However, after coming into power those promises have been quickly forgotten. Instead, the announced measures are meant to benefit employers and the capitalists.
Additionally, plans have been outlined regarding curtailment of civil rights and further militarization. The Belgian government is taking a harsh stand against activists expressing solidarity with the people of Palestine.
The leader of the Workers’ Party said, “The government doesn’t just want to dismantle our social security to boost military spending, it wants to militarize our entire society.” “We oppose turning our economy, research, culture, values, and even our minds into tools of the military and war. Those who want peace, prepare for peace,” he said.
One of the recent announcements was the government’s decision to maintain a freeze on gross salaries, meaning workers’ incomes will stagnate while the cost of living continues to rise.
The effect of these policies on the working class would be massive. Looking at changes to overtime work alone, workers could end up facing 49- or even 52-hour weeks. Combined with low wages and prolonged working life, this would certainly cause a rise in work-related health problems.