London, Dec 15 (IANS): A nationwide strike in Belgium Monday brought air, rail and road transport to a grinding halt and forced many businesses to remain closed.

The country's major trade unions are opposing a decision by Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel to scrap a cost-of-living wage rise next year, BBC reported.

Belgian law currently mandates that wages rise at the same pace as inflation.

They are also protesting against public sector cutbacks and plans to increase the retirement age.

Hundreds of flights to and from Belgium have been cancelled.

The widespread industrial action is the latest in a series of strikes protesting against the new centre-right coalition's austerity policies.

The government plans to save 11 billion euros ($13 billion) in the next five years.

The 24-hour strike is the largest to have taken place in Belgium for many years.

It has forced government offices and schools to close, and the country's ports have been blockaded.

Michel was sworn in as prime minister in October.

The 38-year-old is Belgium's youngest leader since 1841.