Labour Unions Protest in Brussels Against Low Wages, Expensive Electricity - Photos

BRUSSELS, December 6 (Sputnik) - Belgium's two largest unions are rallying in Brussels on Monday to demand greater purchasing power, hurt by wages too low to afford growing electricity bills.

"Unpayable energy bills, crushed wages, criminalized union actions… Purchasing power does not fall from the sky! The General Labour Federation of Belgium [FGTB] and the Confederation of Christian Trade Unions are fighting to defend it! To do this, we need to take to the streets and take collective action without risking being brought to court. Our union freedoms are fundamental for everyone," the FGTB said in the statement calling for the protest.

The Brussels police reported brief disruptions in traffic caused by the rally.

📢Belgium unions are on the street for better wages and right to #CollectiveAction!
✊🏽#Solidarity with the people marching on Brussels streets today! pic.twitter.com/37XmOsH0aQ

— EPSU (@EPSUnions) December 6, 2021

Love to see it! #Brussels is never prettier than when it's streets are painted the trade union colours! pic.twitter.com/GgPepGfkOu

— Theo Morrissey (@UnionsTheo) December 6, 2021

The rally comes amid the ongoing energy crisis in Europe, driven by growing demand during a post-lockdown economic recovery and limited supply.