BELGIUM — In an unexpected twist, Belgium’s transport unions have announced a reverse strike—a protest in which, rather than halting work to demand better conditions, they have collectively decided to return to their jobs.
The strike, originally intended to secure better wages and working conditions, took an unexpected turn when workers realized that sitting at home all day was somehow worse than their actual jobs.
Bus driver Marie Dewaele was one of the first to break. Expecting a well-earned break, she instead found herself trapped in a never-ending list of household chores—painting the garage, cleaning the attic, and, worst of all, being forced to take up jogging by her overly enthusiastic husband. What started as a protest for better working conditions had somehow resulted in worse working conditions, just without a paycheck. Faced with the horror of another morning run, she made the obvious choice: getting back behind the wheel was her only escape.
Jean-Pierre Verschueren, a tram operator from Antwerp, says the decision to strike the strike wasn’t easy: “I enjoyed sitting at home, blaming the government for my problems like a true Belgian. But after a while, I realized—I kind of miss complaining to passengers instead. It’s just not the same yelling at my wife about pension reforms.”
Government Caught Off Guard, Neighboring Countries Alarmed
Belgian officials, long accustomed to dealing with traditional labor strikes, were unprepared for this sudden surge in workplace enthusiasm. The government has expressed willingness to open negotiations, aiming to restore what it calls “the natural order of things.”
Meanwhile, the ripple effects of the anti-strike strike are being felt beyond Belgium’s borders. Unions in France and Germany, both known for their frequent strikes, have reportedly called emergency meetings to address the potential spread of this dangerous work ethic. The fear is that workers elsewhere may also decide to rebel against idleness and, in an unprecedented move, start showing up for work voluntarily.
Unions Threaten Further Escalation: A Functional Transport System
As the movement gains momentum, Belgian unions warn that things could go even further. Train conductors have hinted at the most drastic measure yet—ensuring punctuality becomes the new norm. If this alarming trend continues, Belgian commuters may soon face a fully operational transport system, a scenario so unthinkable that the public has been advised to brace for potential confusion and disorientation.
While officials scramble to regain control, one thing is clear: in Belgium, even strikes don’t go as expected.