Belgian unions warn of general strike if budget crosses red lines

Belgium's socialist FGTB and Christian CSC unions will jointly demonstrate in Brussels on October 9, issuing a 'first warning' to the federal government ahead of the October budget conclave. The FGTB has set three red lines—unilateral interference with indexing, VAT increase, and annualization of working time—and has a mandate to call a general strike if crossed. This signals escalating labor opposition to the government's fiscal plans, with potential for widespread disruption.