A general strike has begun in Belgium against 3 billion euros in cuts to pensions and social benefits. Teachers, public transport, railway and airport workers, including security guards and porters, as well as prison guards, postmen, firefighters and utility workers have already joined the strike.
According to the RTBF TV channel, public transport will be virtually non-operating, only one in three long-distance trains and buses will operate, and around 70% of flights have been cancelled. Royal police have advised driving in Brussels, as heavy traffic is expected in the city.
In addition, the city center will be closed for the protest, which unions estimate will be attended by 50,000 to 100,000 people.
