The nationwide strike and protest action on 12 May is expected to cause major disruption, particularly in transport.
At Brussels Airport, Brussels Airlines will cancel around 60% of its flights, with long-haul services particularly affected. At Charleroi, the airport will be completely shut down, as there will not be enough staff to ensure safe operations. Thousands of travellers will therefore see their flights cancelled and will have to wait for a new booking or a refund.
Travel will also be difficult across the public transport network. In Flanders, De Lijn is expecting a very limited service, with journeys likely to be cancelled at the last minute.
The national railway company SNCB, Brussels' public transport operator STIB, and Wallonia's public transport operator TEC have also warned of possible disruption, particularly due to some staff taking part in the demonstration in Brussels. As during the March mobilisation, passengers should expect delays, cancellations, and significantly reduced frequencies.
Public services will not be spared either. The CGSP Police union has filed a strike notice covering several weeks, which could lead to delays in certain interventions or administrative procedures.
Other administrations, prisons, and some municipal services could also operate at reduced capacity. Bruxelles-Propreté, the regional agency responsible for waste collection and public cleanliness in the Brussels-Capital Region, has already warned that waste collection may be disrupted, with rounds postponed or left incomplete.
For workers, the day will also be unusual. As the strike is officially covered by a notice, employees may take part in the demonstration without having to justify their absence to their employer.
However, hours not worked will not be paid, except for union members entitled to strike pay. Companies, meanwhile, are not allowed to use temporary workers to replace striking staff and must plan for absences.
Beyond the unions' demands, the nationwide strike will therefore have a direct impact on daily life: cancelled flights, limited transport, slowed public services, and disrupted work arrangements.
