Strikes in Belgium Interrupt Work of Railroads, Port in Antwerp, Factories

Belgium is gradually losing its image of a quiet and peaceful land, as strikes disrupt the fast-train link between Paris and Brussels, cancel all trains heading to Amsterdam, and prevent ships from entering and leaving Europe's third busiest shipping port in Antwerp.

MOSCOW, November 24 (Sputnik) – Belgian trade unions have started a series of planned strikes on Monday in protest of government austerity measures, the Deutsche Welle reported.

Workers walked out from their jobs at various locations, including a port in Antwerp, Europe’s third busiest shipping port. As a result, ships were prevented from entering and leaving, the Prince George Citizen informed.

Protests have also disrupted the fast-train link between Paris and Brussels and have caused the cancellation of all trains going to Amsterdam. Some factories, including a Ford plant in Flanders, also had their workers striking, the Deutsche Welle said.

Trade unions plan on holding a series of strikes every Monday until December 15, when a large, nationwide strike is scheduled to take place, Press TV said.

The protests oppose the Belgian government’s announcement of austerity measures, including the raising of the retirement age, the extension of work schedules, and cuts to income and social services.

Earlier this month, more than 100,000 people attended an anti-austerity march on the streets of Brussels which ended in clashes between protesters and police.