National Strike Protests Pension Policy In Belgium Paralyzes Flights, Schools Close

JAKARTA - The national strike as a protest against the possibility of reforming the pension policy to paralyze air and rail traffic in Belgium on Monday. Many schools are closed.

Nearly half of all flights at Brussels airport were canceled as baggage officers, security and other ground staff went on mass strike.

Meanwhile, the NMBS national rail operator only operates a number of trains across the country.

Public transportation in the capital Brussels was also heavily affected.

Reported by Reuters on Monday, January 13, schools are closed and tens of thousands of teachers are expected to join national demonstrations in Brussels to protest the pension reforms being discussed by those trying to form a new government after the elections in June 2024.

Talks about the formation of a government have been protracted for months without any real progress, as the five parties sitting at the negotiating table continue to have disagreements over government finances and pension reforms.