Belgian public sector workers halted public transport in a work stoppage on Tuesday, increasing pressure on the government who is already facing massive protests. Chris Reniers, chairwoman of the Socialist ACOD union in Flanders, said the strike was over a reduction of personnel, under-investment in public services, wages and working conditions and pensions.
 
Workers in local and federal administration, the postal service, the former state telecom operator and schools staged protests in Brussels and other large Belgian cities.
 
Prison guards working in Brussels and Wallonia have massively rejected an initial settlement proposed last week by Belgian Justice Minister, Koen Geens. They are demanding better pay and working conditions and have been on strike for five weeks. There are reports however that a provisional deal could be reached with some of the unions.
 
Also, rail workers are protesting against plans to reduce the number of days they get back in time owed when they work extra hours.
 
The general strike comes a week after 60.000 people gathered in Brussels on May 24 against austerity and the social and economic policies of the government of Prime Minister Charles Michel. Mr Michel said: “We will continue to make decisions, reform and take action”.
 
Another general strike is already planned for June 24 against labor reform and austerity.