Belgian workers today protest deep cuts and the government’s refusal to tax the wealthy as needed.
Belgian politicians from the newly formed so-called Arizona coalition often defend their government agreement by insisting that the proposed measures are essential to safeguard the future of our children and that there is simply no alternative. This is a double falsehood. Here is an analysis explaining why workers in Belgium will stage a General Strike on 31 March.
“We are doing it for our children.” What does this mean today when Belgian politicians in government invoke this justification? Cutting pensions and end-of-career schemes? Freezing salaries once again and proposing reforms to the automatic indexation system that protects workers from losing purchasing power due to inflation? Undermining the value of night shifts and overtime? Normalising Sunday work? Slashing budgets for the lowest pensions and other benefits? Forcing the sick back into work and cutting their benefits? Expanding precarious forms of employment? How will these measures help our children? It is a valid question — and one that demands a clear answer.
The truth is that our children, like many who are already working, stand to lose. These measures will have long-term detrimental effects on society. “We’re doing it for the shareholders” would be the only honest explanation the Arizona coalition could give. If workers are expected to work longer, harder, and for less pay, the sole beneficiaries will be shareholders. Meanwhile, citizens are fed the same tired narrative: “there is no more money.”
Then comes Arizona’s second untruth: “we have no other choice.” This excuse is favoured by those who want to avoid scrutiny of the figures. It allows them to claim that “everyone must contribute” without fear of contradiction. Yet it is evident that workers are contributing far more than their fair share. No one could credibly argue that our pension or healthcare systems are overly generous. The real issue is that the wealthy — and it is worth noting that in this country, wealth is not primarily acquired through work — are doing exceedingly well. It has even been agreed within the government that the contribution from those with the broadest shoulders must under no circumstances exceed eleven percent of the overall effort. On the other hand, further savings are never a problem.
A capital gains tax is now being introduced, expected to yield a little over 500 million euros. That is, if it is implemented — for the MR and the N-VA have been working to undermine it from the early days of this government. By comparison, annual savings of 2.7 billion euros will be made on pensions and a further 2.7 billion on end-of-career benefits, the health budget, and unemployment support. This is in addition to 500 million euros in healthcare cuts. Meanwhile, public authorities remain remarkably generous towards businesses. Each year, Belgian companies receive 16 billion euros in subsidies — making Belgium the European champion in this regard. With a further two billion euros in reduced employer contributions, this government is ensuring that businesses are more than comfortable.
And yet we are told there is no money.
It is little wonder the books do not balance. Every euro not paid by the wealthy or by companies must be made up by ordinary citizens. Enough is enough. A government truly committed to tackling these problems knows very well what must be done. It simply needs the political will. For our children. But that will require action — not just fine words.
This article is sponsored by the Belgian trade union confederation ACV-CSC
Marie Hélène Ska is general secretary of the Belgian trade union confederation ACV-CSC.