Strikes bring Belgian ports to a halt

Port workers are Holdinging 24-hour strikes every Monday until 15 December, in response to moves by the government to extend working hours while cutting wages, and delaying workers’ pensions. Today’s strike has paralysed the Port of Antwerp, with 12 vessels unable to leave the docks, and a backlog of 65 vessels waiting at anchorage outside the port.

"There are companies, such as logistics companies, which have informed their clients to plan their activities before or after the strike,” a port spokesperson told Reuters.

Organised by three national unions, the action has also affected the ports of Zeebrugge and Ghent, as well as train traffic throughout Belgium.

The strike is due to end at midnight local time. The regular Monday strikes are then expected to be followed by a general strike on 15 December.

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