A national strike over a government savings plan grounded flights and disrupted public transport in Belgium on Tuesday, with tens of thousands expected to join a demonstration in Brussels.

Brussels airport — Belgium’s largest — cancelled all departures as security workers downed their tools. Charleroi Airport, a major European hub for low-cost airline Ryanair, said it could not operate any flights due to lack of staff.

The strike is the last in a series to hit the European country since Flemish nationalist Bart De Wever took office as prime minister in February.

Grappling with a budget deficit whose size violates European Union rules, the government is looking to reform pensions and make other savings that have infuriated trade unions.

“This government promised more sustainable jobs an

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