On May 22, 2025, workers from the non-profit sector will protest in Brussels against austerity measures imposed by government authorities, starting from Brussels-North station at 11 AM and concluding at Place de l'Albertine.

The demonstration will see participation from a diverse group of professionals, including childcare workers, hospital nurses, youth support educators, and arts workers, all united in their opposition to the cuts.

The liberal trade union ACLVB is calling for increased resources for childcare, youth care, and support for people with disabilities, emphasizing the need for better wages and working conditions.

Unions are demanding substantial budgetary investments to address community needs, prevent closures, and ensure competitive salaries and quality full-time contracts.

Nathalie Lionnet, a union leader, describes the current situation in the sector as an 'explosive cocktail' due to staff shortages, an aging population, and increasing local care needs.

Historically high vacancies for nurses and acute shortages of care workers have led to increased work pressure and absenteeism, further complicating the situation.

Protests are also directed at federal government cuts, which unions argue will exacerbate pressures on the sector, resulting in longer working hours and reduced pension benefits.

Criticism is aimed at the reform of the APE employment aid program in Wallonia, which threatens thousands of jobs in socio-cultural and cultural sectors.

Women, who make up 76% to 99.5% of the non-profit workforce, are disproportionately affected by recent federal measures regarding career extensions and unemployment benefits.

The upcoming protest follows a significant mobilization in November 2024, where 30,000 workers voiced similar demands, highlighting a lack of progress since that event.

Unions are calling for a new social agreement, stating that promised changes from the Flemish and federal governments have not materialized, leaving no budget for improved pay and working conditions.

Lionnet emphasizes that funding for the military should also be allocated to the non-profit sector to avoid significant social costs, warning of dire consequences if governments do not respond adequately.