Brussels  - A demonstration by unions for more buying power disrupted transport Monday across Belgium.

The 24-hour strike had the worst effect on train service and public transport in Belgium's large cities. Virtually no trains ran on some important commuter routes.

At the harbour in Antwerp, workers also impeded the beginning of the early shift.

The unions said they were satisfied with the beginning of the strike while employers groups criticized the action as destructive to business. (dpa)