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Flights and train travel canceled in Belgium! Workers on strike

Flights and train travel canceled in Belgium! Workers on strike

Belgium was hit by a national strike on Monday as air and rail workers rose up against pension reform plans. About 40 percent of flights to and from Brussels Airport - Belgium's largest - were cancelled as baggage handlers, security staff and other personnel walked off the job.

Brussels Airlines said on Saturday it had been forced to cancel half of its flights within Europe in order to keep long-haul routes running. The operator of Charleroi airport - a major European hub for low-cost airline Ryanair - said significant delays and possible cancellations were expected.

Rail transport also suffered - two out of three trains connecting major cities are not running. Train service was also suspended in Brussels.

The nationwide strike was called by Belgium's three main unions to protest pension reforms that could be approved by the next government. Belgian parties are still in talks to form a new federal administration after elections held in June.

The five parties negotiating a coalition deal plan to raise the retirement age for railway workers and others who are now allowed to retire early, according to the CSC union. The unions also plan to hold a demonstration in Brussels later in the day.