Date: Tue, 2 Jan 1996 13:46:26 CST
Sender: Activists Mailing List <ACTIV-L@MIZZOU1.missouri.edu>
From: Workers World Service <ww@nyxfer.blythe.org>
Subject: Workers Around the World 12/28/95
Via Workers World News Service

Railway workers walk out

By Deirdre Griswold, Workers World, 28 December 1995

The Belgian government is trying to force restructuring and austerity down the throats of the workers. And, just as in France, the labor movement is fighting back.

Railway workers in two regions walked out Dec. 18 to protest a 10-year government restructuring plan that would reduce spending on the railroads by $2.36 billion, cut 8,500 jobs and raise the retirement age. Railway unions called several strikes in November against the plan and are coordinating with other public-sector unions for a one-day strike in January. A mass demonstration on Dec. 13 showed broad opposition to the government's austerity measures.