Transport
services in Belgium have been severely disrupted by strikes protesting against
government austerity measures.
Monday's
action halted all underground trains, buses and trams in Brussels.
High-speed
trains to France, the Netherlands and Germany were suspended, along with
Eurostar services to London.
The
strike is the latest in a series of weekly protests that will end with a
nationwide general strike on 15 December.
Industrial
action involving baggage handlers also resulted in
267 departing flights,
almost half of the total, being cancelled at Brussels' international airport.
The
strike has forced Eurostar services to Brussels to terminate at Lille. Services
to the Belgian capital will also face similar disruption next Monday.
Workers
were stopped from entering some industrial areas by pickets, while schools and
public services in Belgium were also disrupted.
The
public sector movement began early last month with 100,000 people taking part
in a march in Brussels that ended in clashes leaving 112 police injured.
Several
vehicles were set alight by protesters who also hurled stones and flares at
police. About 50 people were hurt and 30 detained, officials said.
Unions
are opposing a decision by Charles Michel's centre-right coalition government
to scrap a cost-of-living wage rise next year. They are also protesting against
public sector cutbacks and plans to increase the retirement age.
Mr
Michel was sworn in as prime minister in October. The 38-year-old
French-speaking liberal is Belgium's youngest leader since 1841.
BBC
Business
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