Strike disrupts activity at top port Antwerp

Dozens of ships were blocked from leaving or entering Antwerp, one of Europe’s busiest ports, and activity was disrupted elsewhere in Belgium as shipping pilots went on strike to protest pension reform.

Some 55 ships were unable to leave or dock in Antwerp as the pilots, who guide vessels into port, continued a work stoppage that began late Monday, said port and union officials.

Some 15 ships were prevented from leaving Ghent but two were able to dock in the Flemish town during a temporary pause in the strike action. Other strikes took place in the ports of Ostend and Zeebruge.

Under pressure from the European Commission to slash its deficit and debt, the Belgian government has decided to raise the age for early retirement by two years to 62 and get rid of other special benefits.

“We want the current situation to be maintained,” Kaat Boonen, a member of the FGTB-ABVV union, told AFP.

The Maritime Federation of Antwerp, which represents companies managing port activities, accused the pilots of being irresponsible.