The Belgian socialist public sector union ACOD (a trade union representing government and public service workers) has called a strike for October 12, a day before the prime minister is expected to deliver his policy statement to parliament. The union, led by president Laurent Pirnay, says it fears public sector workers will once again bear the brunt of fiscal measures as Belgium's federal government works to close a roughly €10 billion budget gap. Disruptions are expected across transport, education, postal services, and prisons, though the Christian union ACV Openbare Diensten has declined to join the walkout, opting instead for an awareness campaign.