Tens of thousands of Belgian workers protested in Brussels against proposed pension reforms that they say will force them to work longer for less retirement pay. The reforms reward those working past retirement with 35 years of service but penalize early retirees without that threshold, disproportionately affecting lower-income earners. Police clashed with demonstrators outside coalition party headquarters, using tear gas and water cannons. The strike disrupted flights, public transport, and postal services, with firefighters and military personnel joining. Workers argue the changes betray their contributions and will strain local governments and taxpayers.
See " Tens of thousands in Belgium protest over pension reforms, halting air traffic", Charlotte Van Campenhout and Stephanie Lecocq, Reuters, February 13, 2025