National Strike Set to Cripple Belgian Public Transport and Airports on October 14

Widespread Disruption Expected Across Belgium

A national strike organized by Belgium's leading trade unions is poised to cause significant disruption across the country on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. The industrial action, spearheaded by unions such as ACV-CSC, FGTB-ABVV, and CGSLB-ACLVB, aims to protest federal government reforms concerning pensions, working conditions, and salaries. These reforms, described by Prime Minister Bart De Wever as 'the biggest socio-economic reform this country has seen this century,' have drawn strong criticism from labor organizations.

Unions argue that the proposed changes, which include adjustments to pension and unemployment benefits, will 'destroy our social security, our social rights, our purchasing power and our future prospects.' Their demands include calls for overtime with bonuses, easier access to early retirement, fair compensation for night work, higher pensions, and enhanced job security for young people. Additionally, the FGTB-ABVV has expressed a desire for the 'Arizona' coalition to recognize the Palestinian state and impose sanctions on Israel.

Air Travel Grounded, Public Transport Severely Affected

The strike is expected to bring air travel to a near standstill. Brussels Airport (Zaventem) has announced the cancellation of all departing flights on October 14, with some arriving flights also potentially affected. This decision was made to ensure passenger and staff safety, given the participation of security service provider staff in the strike. Typically handling around 200 daily departures, the airport anticipates major operational impacts.

Similarly, Brussels South Charleroi Airport has confirmed the cancellation of all departing and arriving flights for the day, citing insufficient staffing to guarantee safe operations. Airlines are in the process of contacting affected passengers to offer rebooking or refund options. Up to 70,000 travelers could be impacted by the airport disruptions alone.

Public transport networks are also bracing for severe interruptions:

• Brussels (STIB-MIVB): Metro, bus, and tram services are expected to face significant disruptions, with passengers advised to seek alternative travel arrangements.
• Flanders (De Lijn): Several disruptions are anticipated on tram and bus lines.
• Wallonia (TEC): The TEC network also expects several disruptions.
• National Rail (SNCB-NMBS): While no strike notice has been submitted to SNCB-NMBS, disruptions are possible due to a national manifestation in Brussels and potentially high passenger numbers. An alternative transport plan may be communicated 24 hours prior to the strike, depending on staff availability.

Broader Impact and Planned Demonstration

Beyond transport, other sectors are likely to experience the effects of the strike. Unions have called on employees in the retail sector, including supermarkets, fashion retailers, and DIY stores, to join the action. They are also advocating for a 'consumer strike,' urging the public to refrain from shopping on the day. While some major retailers like Carrefour will remain open, several employees are expected to participate.

Public services such as schools and waste collection are also projected to be affected. The impact on postal delivery services by Bpost remains unclear, with further details expected closer to the date.

A major demonstration is scheduled to take place in Brussels on October 14, commencing at 10:45 AM. Participants will gather at Brussels North station before proceeding to Brussels Midi station.