STIB expects disruption today from demonstration of European unions in Brussels | Domestic

At a quarter past nine in the morning, trade union representatives from Belgium, France, Italy and Austria will address the press in the Royal Library (KBR) in Brussels. The demonstration starts at 11 am on Poelaertplein. Speeches will also be held there.

The reason is the reform of the European Stability and Growth Pact, which anchors the budget rules. Some Member States are pushing for stricter budget discipline and therefore savings. “The return to a draconian budget policy is not an option!” the Christian trade union ACV emphasizes in a press release. Just like the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), ACV fears ‘austerity 2.0’. That is a reference to the significant cuts in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis.

“We all need quality care, education and a decent safety net in times of need. Negotiations are taking place in Brussels that undermine the very thing that makes our societies flourish. We cannot allow attempts to return to strict savings rules to be successful,” the ETUC says on its website. “The European Union’s solidarity response to the corona pandemic showed what is possible. Freeing up resources so that people could keep their jobs and incomes was crucial. We need more of that, not a return to the failed recipes of yesteryear,” the ETUC concludes.

STIB expects major disruptions on the bus, tram and metro lines throughout the day, because some of its staff are participating in this action. Travelers will be kept informed of the situation in real time via the website, the app, social media and at the stops.

Railway company NMBS and the Flemish public transport company De Lijn should operate normally. Brussels Mobility calls on drivers not to come to the city by car today.