Belgian health, culture sectors protest austerity measures

Workers from the healthcare and culture sectors in Belgium took to the streets of Brussels on Thursday to protest a series of drastic cuts foreseen by the government for 2017.

The demonstration started at the Brussels North Station around 10 a.m. local time (0900 GMT) and made its way down to the Central Station near several historical landmarks in the city center.

Traffic in the Brussels city centre was partially paralyzed by the demonstration, which was organized in a communal action by the main Belgian trade unions.

Protestors worried that continuing austerity measures would lead to increased work pressure. They also demanded more staff and better pay.

The unions claimed that 20,000 people showed up for the protest, while the police estimated 17,000.

The unions said that the figure could have been bigger but some workers had to stay at work to guarantee minimum care at hospitals, nursing homes and care centers.

Belgian Health Minister Maggie De Block and Employment Minister Kris Peeters had a meeting with representatives from the union ahead of the demonstration to discuss possible compromises.

Local media reported that the government had proposed some adjustments to its austerity plan but was not able to fully convince the unions, and more actions could be planned in the coming months. Endit