Unions across Belgium began a general strike this week in opposition to austerity measures by the country's new centre-right coalition government, including public sector cutbacks and plans to raise the retirement age from 65 to 67 by 2030.
The strike is set to last 24 hours and is the largest the country has seen for many years, forcing government offices, schools and ports to close.
A spokesperson for Brussels Airport revealed that a total of 600 flights would be unable to land or take off due to the strike by air traffic controllers.
Trains, including Eurostar services to and from Brussels, have also been severely affected.
Jo Lambrecht of Belgian fruit and vegetable auction BelOrta said that the effect on the business had so far been minimal.
'The reachability of BelOrta has been slightly disturbed at some entry points, but trucks can still enter and leave the auction,' he told Eurofruit. 'Commercial and other operational activities are guaranteed and are running almost as usual.
'Some buyers in Belgium have been hit harder by the strikes, which may affect their operations. Consumers may face closed doors at some stores. But for exports, there are not many problems being reported at this time.'
Those relying on air transportation of fresh items are likely to more acutely impacted by the strikes.
Brussels-based service provider Adelantex told Fresh Plaza that the effect would be 'disastrous' since this was the peak season for the transportation of many products by air.
'This means transport must be diverted to other airports which causes more expensive and complex logistical issues,' he said.
The Port of Antwerp, which lost several million euros from last month's strike, stated that it was better prepared this time around.
'All port users are making preparations by informing their customers about the strike, and offering them the opportunity to unload goods earlier or later, for instance,' said spokesperson Annik Dirkx. 'That means the impact on the day of the strike can be limited, simply because we are able to take measures.'
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