Over 60,000 workers protested labor reforms in Brussels.

(Baonghean.vn) - More than 60,000 workers marched on May 24 (local time) to protest labor reform plans in Belgium, which propose increasing working hours and raising the retirement age.

Protest march against labor reform plans in Brussels on May 24.

Workers in several unions across Belgium have expressed anger after a proposed wage increase was rejected, replaced instead by a rise in VAT on the electricity sector, an increase in the retirement age to 67, and an increase in working hours from 38 to a maximum of 45 hours per week.

The May 24th parade across Brussels caused traffic congestion on certain roads and at train stations.

Belgian police said 20 people were injured in clashes when protesters threw rocks and firecrackers at police who were using water cannons to quell the riots.

A Belgian police spokesperson said security forces had arrested 23 protesters.

The protest was the first in a series of actions planned for the coming months, including an attack on June 24 and a nationwide demonstration on October 7, marking the two-year anniversary of the center-right government's rule.

Marie-Claire Legros, a protester from Grace-Hollogne in the Liege province, said, "We will continue to protest until we get a pay raise."

Thanh Hien

(According to Reuters)