2 Belgian airports suffer disruptions due to police strike

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

ISTANBUL (AA) - Police unions staged strikes at Brussels airports Zaventem and Charleroi on Friday, demanding that the government uphold negotiated agreements, including a pay raise and an early retirement program.

"We’re not going to prevent people from getting to their destinations by blocking things, but there will be some inconvenience," Carlo Medo of the NSPV police union told Flemish radio.

"We understand that this is not nice for travelers, but we want to show up and, by handing out flyers, explain to people why we are taking action," he added.

According to the police unions, about 200 police officers at two airports will take part in the one-day protest.

Although the unions did not call a work stoppage, delays, especially for identity checks, were expected.

Earlier, police unions expressed their displeasure by urging officers not to fine drivers for moving offenses from Dec. 15 to Jan. 15 in any circumstance. They also took the streets of Brussels on Tuesday.