Work

Amsab-ISG studies the rise and flourishing of the labor movement in Belgium from the 19th century, covering the trade union movement as well as political parties, economic structures, and cultural groupings. Read a number of contributions here regarding aspects of labor history.

Women and children wait for news at the mine gate after the disaster - Photo Roger Hespel

On August 8, 1956, the Marcinelle mine disaster claimed the lives of 262 miners. What was initially considered a human error turned out to be the result of structurally unsafe working conditions. The disaster not only exposed the harsh reality of mining but also marked a turning point in the history of Italian labor migration to Belgium.

Ninety years ago, socialist militants Albert Pot and Theofiel Grijp lost their lives after a confrontation with members of the far-right Realist Party in Antwerp.

The deadly shooting, in the midst of the 1936 election campaign, grew into a symbolic moment in the struggle against fascism in Belgium. Moreover, it constituted one of the triggers for the general strike of June 1936, in which hundreds of thousands of workers and employees downed tools and secured important social achievements.

Poster from 1921 of the Syndical Commission for the 8-Hour Day drawn by Constant Dratz

On June 14, 1921 – 105 years ago – the eight-hour day was legally introduced in Belgium. That victory did not come about by itself: the demand for a reduction in working hours had been central to the socialist labor movement for decades. This article delves deeper into the prehistory and aftermath of one of the most important social achievements of the 20th century.

The strike against the Single Law of 1961, at five weeks long, was the longest interprofessional strike that Belgium had ever experienced. In a recent article in SamPol Amsab-ISG researcher Luc Peiren analyses the causes and course of this exceptional mobilization, and draws parallels with the recent trade union protests against the De Wever government.

fo014522: A kissing couple in front of an armored vehicle during the liberation in Antwerp during World War II, September 1944. © Louis Van Cauwenbergh

Every May 8, Western Europe commemorates the end of the Second World War. Yet, today that date is not an official public holiday in Belgium, unlike November 11, on which we commemorate the end of the First World War. Why is that?

At this time of year, when remembrance is central, we are highlighting a special piece from our collection. In the Amsab-ISG depot, you'll find a remarkable wooden box – small in size, but with a powerful story about faith, conviction, and the struggle for self-determination.

In the recent government negotiations, the index once again in the center of attention. Once again people wanted to index adjust to slow the rise in wages and benefits. But what is that actually? index?

On March 8th we celebrate International Woman's Day, a day dedicated to women's rights and the fight against gender discrimination. But did you know that this day has its origins in the early socialist movement?

Every year in February, Mineral Tour People are encouraged to abstain from alcohol for a month. This may seem like a modern phenomenon, but the discussion about alcohol consumption and moderation is much older.