Report of Kamgar Ekta Committee (KEC) correspondent
On Tuesday, 14 October 2025, tens of thousands of workers in Belgium organized a massive general strike, bringing many services to a standstill. This was Belgium’s third strike this year against the government’s proposals to reduce expenditure on public services.
The Belgian government has proposed increasing the retirement age to 67 years by 2030. Additionally, there are plans to cut unemployment benefits, child support, and healthcare funding. Steps are also being taken to increase secondary school teachers’ working hours. At the same time, the country is planning to increase VAT sales tax and boost military spending to meet its commitments to NATO.
On Tuesday, most metro, bus, and tram lines were halted as an estimated 1,00,000 workers struck work. All shipping at Antwerp, Europe’s second largest port, was suspended. More than 100 ships waited in the North Sea for permission to dock at three ports. Airports were hit as all departures and most arrivals were cancelled. Many teachers joined the strike demonstrations, noting that if teachers are made to work more, many jobs will be cut.
A striking worker said, “We are asked to work more, to work longer hours. It’s not fair. It’s about time we came together… It’s always the same part of the population that has to tighten their belts.”
The strike received support from vast sections of the public. Reports mention that students cheered on demonstrating workers, while people’s organizations, such as those helping asylum seekers, also participated in demonstrations. Workers across countries are rising against attacks on their rights and the open loot of public money for private profit.