New day of action against the federal government's policy on Tuesday, May 20, 2025: Stop budget cutbacks before the public sector breaks

On May 20, 2025, a general strike will take place in the public sector under the motto "Stop budget cutbacks before the public sector breaks".

ACOD UGent is also calling for a strike, and would like to invite you to participate in the planned actions that will take place that day.

The details of the action are as follows:

• Trade union picket 
  
  • Station Gent-Sint-Pieters starting at 7 a.m. until around 10.30 a.m. (coffee and breakfast available).
• Flyer handouts 
  • During the morning, flyer handouts will take place at various locations (see overview of locations and contact details in the table at the bottom of this page).
• After the flyer handouts people are asked to join the trade union picket of ACOD Spoor in support. From there we will go together on foot towards the offices of ACOD in the Bagattenstraat.

There at 11 a.m. we will start a trade union cafe event, where you will also find a drink and something to eat.

Why are we on strike?

The public sector has suffered from a lack of investment for many years and yet the Arizona government has decided to make additional cuts in both personnel and resources. This will further hamper the functioning of public services, causing citizens to receive fewer services and lose purchasing power.

ACOD asks for:

• Affordable and accessible public transport
• Healthcare for everyone, with enough hands at the bedside
• Education where every child finds a suitable place
• Guaranteed cleanliness and safety of public space
• Energy security that everyone can afford
• Support for the preservation of our cultural sector
• Intergenerational solidarity with respect and equal treatment for and of everyone

We can only achieve this with more fundamental and future-oriented investments in public services!

Other important points:

• Pensions: The Arizona government's pension reform means that many have to work longer for less pension.
• Social security: Additional financial resources are being sought by limiting unemployment benefits in time and taking stricter action against the long-term ill.
• Indexation of wages: Wages in the public sector are only increased with a delay when the central price index is exceeded, leading to a loss of purchasing power.
• Employment status: The Arizona government wants to make contract employment the norm in government, which threatens the neutrality and independence of government employees.
• Taxation: Fair taxation with a capital registry is necessary to raise revenues and avoid cuts in public services.

The Arizona government is cutting so deeply into the flesh with its reforms that it cuts through the bone and thus breaks the public sector. The ACOD calls for them to stop before it is too late.

We hope for your massive presence to reinforce our message.

Together we are strong!

 Overview action details & contact: