Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
Workers from all over Europe, from essential sectors such as cleaning, security and restaurants, are taking to the streets of Brussels' European Quarter on Tuesday to demand better working conditions. According to local media this morning, quoting the Belgian news agency, "Trade unions from nine European countries, including France, Italy and Finland, together with the European Trade Union Federation UNI Europe, are calling for a review of public procurement rules in the European Union.
The European trade unions, including ABVV, ACV and ACLVB, denounce the "downward spiral" initiated by current public procurement rules in the European Union. Research by UNI Europe shows that half of public tenders in the EU are awarded solely on the basis of the lowest price, often as a result of procurement rules that favour the lowest price. They do not take social costs into account.
"Millions of workers in the European Union work under these contracts, and the criteria set through public procurement affect wages and working conditions in the private sector," it said in a press release. The unions want "new rules that strengthen collective bargaining, improve working conditions and guarantee the quality of services for citizens."
No flights from Brussels Capital Airport and Charleroi City Airport
Submitted strike notices in the security sectors will be Cleaning and hospitality have a major impact on Belgian airports. There will be no departures at Brussels Airport or Charleroi Airport. Long queues at checkpoints are also expected.