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Protests against cuts to cleaning staff in Antwerp schools

Trade unions are demonstrating in Antwerp against cuts to cleaning staff, which could impact the classroom environment.

1 September 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: Protests against cuts to cleaning staff in Antwerp schools — Archive photoPhoto: francisco_osorio · Flickr · BY

On Tuesday morning, trade unions with socialist and Christian representatives demonstrated in Antwerp against cuts to cleaning staff in Antwerp schools. The actions took place at the Autonomous Municipal Company for City Education Antwerp (AGSO).

At AGSO, almost forty jobs are affected by the cuts, with working conditions for the remaining cleaners also changing. The cleaning company GOM, which provides cleaning services in municipal schools, is implementing these cuts starting today.

According to the trade unions ABVV and ACV, the situation is leading to dirtier classrooms. They have expressed concerns about the impact of these cuts on hygiene in schools.

There are reports that schools may even impose fines if classrooms are not clean enough, which the unions say increases pressure on the cleaners.

The unions are demanding that the Antwerp city education and the municipal government immediately halt the cuts. They want better working conditions and job preservation for the cleaners.

The protest actions are a response to the emergency situation that has arisen due to new guidelines and working hours implemented as a result of the budget cuts.

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