BRUSSELS — 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 sustaina