General strike public services on Monday, October 12, 2026

Submitted by ACOD UGent on di, 10/06/2026 - 08:01

Update: visit the ACOD strike pickets on 12/10/2026 + read how you can help mobilise colleagues

During the general strike of the public services on Monday 12 October 2026, ACOD will organise a number of joint strike pickets and meetings.

Each of these meetings is organized by a specific branch of ACOD, but everyone is welcome here, regardless of where they are employed.

In Ghent, the gathering will take place that day at 11:00 a.m. at the Flemish Administrative Centre (VAC) Virginie Loveling, near Ghent-Sint-Pieters station.

Similar picket lines are also being organized at other locations in East Flanders. You can find them on this overview.

Finally, we are also providing you with this brochure (unfortunately at the moment only available in Dutch), in which we—as ACOD—explain in detail and with clarity:

  • what the purpose and importance of the current actions are
  • what the political and ideological choices are that underpin the austerity policy pursued by the current governments
  • the importance of public services, and why investing in public services is necessary
  • the political choices underlying the debate on pension funding
  • what our alternatives are for addressing the budget deficit

This brochure also contains answers to frequently asked questions and common criticisms. Use it to discuss the current political and trade union context with your colleagues. The more people join the mobilization to demand alternatives to the government's current policies, the greater the pressure to bring about real change.

On Monday, October 12, 2026, ACOD will organize a strike within the entire public sector. ACOD UGent is also calling for a halt on this day.

Public services are the backbone of our society. Every day, thousands of employees ensure that people stay safe, healthy and mobile. They guard our prisons, care for the sick and elderly, keep public transport running, protect our neighbourhoods, provide education, social security and efficient government services.

When public services work well, everyone benefits. They guarantee equal opportunities, social protection and access to essential services, regardless of income, origin or place of residence.

Strong public services are not a cost, but an investment in a just and inclusive society.

On Monday 12 October, the public services will take action. With this strike, we are sounding the alarm about the future of our public services and the people who keep them running every day.

The reasons are well known and affect us all:

  • the higher VAT and the impact on purchasing power;
  • the consequences of the attack on automatic indexation;
  • the structural underfunding of public services;
  • the increasing pressure on staff working conditions;
  • the importance of accessible, affordable and high-quality public services.

That is why we will make our voices heard on October 12!

Strike compensation 

There is a strike notice for all staff at Ghent University. Staff members who are absent from work on this day are covered by this notice. 

Members of ACOD who are on strike can apply for strike compensation if Ghent University has withheld your wages for that day. 

To do this, you can send us the payslip by e-mail to ACOD@UGent.be on which the deduction of wages due to strike is charged. The strike compensation for a full day of loss of wages is 40 euros.