Flemish Ports Minister Annick De Ridder has called on maritime pilots to cease their strike actions and return to negotiations, as nearly 100 ships are currently waiting to enter or exit Flemish ports. The ongoing strike, initiated in response to a federal pension reform, is significantly disrupting vessel scheduling and prolonging waiting times, while also affecting inland shipping traffic, with several companies forced to adjust routes and delay cargo deliveries, reports 24brussels.
As of Tuesday, a spokesperson for the Port of Antwerp-Bruges confirmed the delays, stating that around 100 vessels were in a holding pattern outside the ports of Antwerp, Zeebrugge, and Ghent. The limited working hours adopted by the maritime pilots are at the core of these disruptions, which have raised concerns over the broader implications for Belgium’s maritime logistics.
The pilots’ discontent originates from proposed reforms to the pension system. According to the socialist union ACOD, younger maritime pilots could face pension reductions of up to 45 percent. Additionally, the pilots are frustrated that their pensions are not given the same consideration as those of other salaried workers.
A provisional agreement reached this summer between the federal government and the pilots’ service confirmed existing arrangements but postponed a definitive settlement until after the summer’s end.
Ministers and Pilots in Dispute
Federal Pensions Minister Jan Jambon and Flemish Ports Minister Annick De Ridder maintain that they had established an agreement with the Professional Association of Pilots (BvL) to finalize a framework deal by the end of November, encompassing pensions, seniority recognition, and accident compensation.
“The BvL and I had agreed to reach a principled agreement by the end of November,” De Ridder stated on Tuesday. “I call on the pilots to suspend their actions and resume discussions in good faith.”
“I call on the pilots to suspend their actions and resume discussions in good faith”
However, representatives from the pilots’ association expressed frustration, stating they are “still waiting for a political response to their request for new negotiations” from the offices of Jambon and De Ridder. This ongoing standoff highlights the tensions between governmental authorities and the maritime pilots.
Belgium is home to approximately 300 maritime pilots, who play a critical role in guiding large vessels safely in and out of the nation’s ports, further underscoring the importance of resolving this dispute promptly to maintain the efficiency of Belgium’s maritime operations.
