“I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore.” That wasn’t just Peter Finch’s rallying cry in the 1987 film Broadcast News. It’s a battle cry around the world these days. Here in Belgium, anger about rising costs and reduced buying power have come to a head with a “national day of action” called for November 9. It’s the fourth strike this year addressing the impact of inflation.
Across the pond in America, some are blaming the inflation problem on their president. I guess they don’t follow world news. They are not alone with increased costs. Inflation in the Netherlands has just soared to 17%, influenced mainly because of skyrocketing energy costs. Belgium stands at 12.27%, and the United Kingdom is experiencing double digit inflation. Gas prices across Europe are up 111% and electricity costs, 69%. Newsflash: Joe Biden has nothing to do with any of this.
IN THE AIR
More than half of Wednesday’s flights from Brussels Airport are being cancelled. That’s about 200 flights! For flights that do depart, passengers are being asked to only bring hand baggage since there won’t be adequate staff to screen baggage.
Charleroi Airport, south of Brussels, is also expecting significant disruption. “Access to the airport may be more difficult due to possible actions around it,” the airport told its passengers. “It is also possible that the various services at the airport will run at a slower pace. We recommend that you arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before the gate closes and only with hand luggage when possible. It is possible that some flights will be rescheduled to avoid a chaotic situation.”
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Train and bus schedules will also be affected. Railway workers’ unions representing the National Railway Company of Belgium (SNCB) employees will be striking, causing delays and cancellations across the country. There are also disruptions expected on regional public transport: STIB-MIVB in Brussels, De Lijn in Flanders, and TEC in Wallonia.
MORE STRIKERS
The “national day of action” is also expected to include civil servants, education staff and healthcare workers. Some government offices and police stations around the country may be shuttered, too. You can also expect picket lines at Grands Prés in Mons, Médiacité in Liège and Charleroi’s Rive Gauche.
Yeah, everybody is mad as hell.
