Belgium - Unions file notice for general strike - February 28, 2026

On 21 February 2026, union confederations ACV/CSC, ABVV/FGTB and ACLVB filed formal notice for a 24‑hour general strike scheduled for 12 March. The action targets proposed pension reforms and broader labour policy changes, which unions argue were introduced without adequate social dialogue. They contend that raising retirement thresholds and modifying early‑exit arrangements will negatively affect working conditions and wage security. The strike notice increases pressure on the Federal Government to resume negotiations with social partners. Employers’ organisations expressed concern about economic disruption but indicated willingness to continue mediated discussions to avoid escalation.

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For more information, please contact Paul de Beer or Oana Ciuca, De Burcht (Scientific Bureau for the Dutch Trade Union Movement) p.t.debeer@uva.nl or the Head of communications at the ETUI, Mehmet Koksal mkoksal@etui.org. For previous full issues of the Collective bargaining newsletter please visit https://www.etui.org/Newsletters/Collective-bargaining-newsletter or consult the archive with all articles in our database at www.cbnarchive.eu. You may find further information on the ETUI at www.etui.org.