The country's trade unions are on strike! Sea, land and air are restricted, Antwerp port suspends operations, the shipping company issues a notice

It is reported that on November 9, local time, the Belgian industrial unions held a general strike, which affected the country's ports, railways and airports. During this period, the port of Antwerp was suspended and Maersk issued a notice regarding the port strike.

The strike of the port workers started at 6 am in the port of Antwerp on November 9 and ended at 6 am on November 10. Maersk issued a customer notice yesterday that the terminal was closed for operations during this period and that no inland transport or pick-up was possible until the strike action ended.

The port of Antwerp is expected to suffer delays and face operational difficulties as pilots, tugboats and other port workers are expected to join the strike.

Separately, the North Sea Port administration announced that no ships would be able to leave or arrive at the port of Ghent on Wednesday and asked companies to reconsider their shipping plans. The Port of Ghent is the third largest port in Belgium and one of the main ports on the European inland route.

According to Inchcape Shipping Services, Belgian trade unions are holding a general strike with the General Confederation of Labour (ABVV/FGTB), while the Confederation of Christian Trade Unions (ACV/CSC) and the Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ACLVB/CGSLB) will organise strikes, staff meetings and demonstrations protests inside.

As a result, much of Belgian public life will face shutdowns and restrictions.

Local media reported that trade unions were striking to boost purchasing power, oppose high energy prices and fight for free wage negotiations.

The strike has caused widespread disruptions to transport in the country, especially at airports. Brussels Airport has announced the cancellation of more than half of its flights, and Brussels South Charleroi Airport has informed that 120 flights scheduled to depart and arrive at the airport on Wednesday have been cancelled and Terminal 1 cannot be accessed.

A spokesman for Liege Airport, which is mainly used for cargo flights, said it would not be officially closed but could be hampered by strike action. Airlines appear to have taken precautions to park their planes at other airports.

In addition, the Belgian National Railways (SNCB) said that from 10 p.m. on Tuesday, train operations will be restricted as news of the strike is posted on the Belgian railway network. Alternative train services are planned to be provided "wherever possible", with a quarter of trains running as normal, based on the number of staff who have said they will be working normally on strike day.

It is reported that this is the fourth time this year that Belgian unions have held strikes and demonstrations to demand higher wages.