Municipal workers in Molenbeek, Brussels, have organised a protest over job losses, reduced benefits and uncertainty about the future of public services. Trade unions called on employees to gather outside the town hall on Tuesday, November 10, before a meeting of the municipal council.
The demonstration reflects growing concern among workers about the municipality’s financial situation and the impact of planned savings. Unions say employees have been left without clear information about which departments could be affected, whether more jobs will disappear and how changes could influence services used by local residents.
The dispute has developed over several months. In June, the municipality announced plans to cut 40 jobs across its administration and the Public Centre for Social Welfare, known as the OCMW. The proposed reductions were intended to save around €2 million and help address the municipality’s budget deficit. The same plan included a reduction of the year-end bonus paid to municipal staff.
Unions say the situation has become more difficult since that announcement. Seven community guards were informed in September that their contracts would not be renewed after regional subsidies were no longer available. The municipality has linked the decision to the loss of funding, while union representatives have criticised the lack of consultation before the changes were made.
Job losses have also affected non-profit organisations connected to local employment services. Workers at organisations involved in training and job support have faced uncertainty after funding arrangements changed. Union representatives argue that reductions in these services could affect residents who rely on assistance to find work or improve their skills.
More than 500 municipal and OCMW employees attended a general meeting on November 3 to seek explanations about the municipality’s finances. Workers wanted access to the full three-year financial plan and details of the recovery measures being considered by local authorities.
The unions have prepared a list of questions covering possible service mergers, outsourcing, staff reductions, workloads and the protection of social benefits. They also want a full account of the dismissals that have taken place during 2026. Their concern is that employees may face heavier workloads if departments lose staff but continue to provide the same services.
The municipality has previously said it is looking for solutions to preserve jobs and maintain public services. However, officials must also deal with financial limits and the need to balance the local budget. The final plan will require approval from the Brussels-Capital Region, which is expected to make a decision during November.
The outcome could affect more than municipal employees. Residents may experience changes if local services are merged, reduced or transferred to outside organisations. The OCMW provides important support to people facing financial and social difficulties, making the future of its services a major concern.
The unions want local leaders to provide clear information before further decisions are made. Their protest is intended to keep pressure on the council and ensure that workers have a voice in the municipality’s financial recovery plans. Discussions over the budget are expected to continue as authorities prepare the next stage of the process.
