BDW on Monday's strikes: "Threat comes from the EU"

Massive disruption is anticipated in Antwerp Province on Monday as the three big unions protest against government austerity. All eyes are on the actions of the port workers widely held responsible for violence during the big union demo in Brussels earlier this month.

Flemish nationalist leader Bart De Wever has asked Monday's strikers to consider what they are doing: "Paralysing the economy means you're sawing off the limb on which we all sit."

The Antwerp Mayor expresses understanding for the port workers' grievances linked to the dismantling of legislation that protects their profession, but warns that the real danger comes from the EU: "It's my impression that some people are consciously targeting the wrong people in a bid to run amok against the city authorities and the federal government."

"In consultation with the unions we want to consider whether the law is still up-to-date."