Brussels Public Sector Unions Call for Strike, Citing Unacceptable Conditions

A broad coalition of public sector unions in Brussels has called for a strike on Tuesday, aiming to send a clear message to the regional government that "Bruxellois deserve much better." The mobilization will include workers from public hospitals, disability services, integration programs, family aid, mental health centers, homeless shelters, retirement homes, nurseries, schools, public social welfare centers (CPAS), and municipal administrations.

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the Bruxellois deserve much better

Union representatives describe the situation on the ground as "untenable," citing chronic understaffing, escalating workloads, a loss of appeal in public service professions, and deteriorating safety conditions. Specific concerns include the proposed elimination of 40 jobs in Molenbeek-Saint-Jean as part of budget consolidation efforts.

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intenable

The unions also highlighted anxieties surrounding the evolving hospital landscape in Brussels, particularly the planned merger of Hôpitaux Iris Sud, CHU Saint-Pierre, and the Brussels University Hospital (HUB). They expressed worries about maintaining accessible, quality, and local healthcare services, as well as the future of public hospitals and their missions, especially amidst a shortage of healthcare professionals and financial pressures.

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austerity is not a fatality. Other choices are possible.

Demanding structural refinancing for public and non-profit services, an end to job cuts, increased staffing, and investments, the unions argue that "austerity is not inevitable. Other choices are possible." They are calling for respect for signed social agreements and the immediate resumption of "genuine" social dialogue. The FGTB union indicated further mobilization and potential general strike action after the summer break.

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Bruxelles residents deserve that we invest in their public services and in those who make them live on a daily basis.