The ongoing disruption caused by maritime pilots in Belgium has reached its eighth day, with nearly 30 vessels anchored in the North Sea and around 10 more delayed at ports, as reported by the Maritime Services and Coast Agency (MDK). This situation has arisen as some pilots are exercising their legally mandated rest periods in protest against proposed plans for a private pilotage service that could operate alongside the current public system.
Trade unions have urged pilots to fully utilize their rest entitlements due to concerns surrounding the proposed private service. The Professional Association of Pilots (BVL) has highlighted a long-term staffing crisis, noting that more pilots are leaving the profession than are joining, exacerbating the situation.
In response to criticism from Flemish Mobility and Ports Minister Annick De Ridder, the BVL clarified that pilots taking their legal rest does not amount to collective strike action. The ongoing dispute with the Flemish government involves issues related to pensions, employment status, and the future of pilotage services, showing little sign of resolution. This marks the third significant wave of industrial action within just over six months, with pilots indicating that a solution before the summer recess seems unlikely.
