On 6 October, a nationwide strike over rising prices caused severe disruptions to Belgium’s public transport, resulting in the cancellation of all high-speed international rail services, the closure of Brussels Midi and Brussels Central stations, the cancellation of tram services and restrictions to underground and bus services.
According to Annick Dirkx, a spokesperson for the Port of Antwerp, picketing outside the port restricted access, although the port’s workers were not themselves involved in the strike.
The unions, which are protesting against what they see as the government’s failure to take action in the face of rising prices and inflation, have stated their intention to send a signal to the government before the latter presents its 2009 budget to parliament on 14 October.
In addition, workers at supermarket chains Delhaize and Carrefour reportedly staged industrial action in the capital, as well as in the country's southern region of Wallonia.
