Living and working in Belgium

The most significant change is the introduction of the (alternative) four-day working week system, whereby full-time employees have the option to work the hours they would normally work in a regular five-day working week in four days.

The intention is to increase employees’ flexibility to achieve a work–life balance. The Labour Deal also offers the option to have an alternating week schedule, where an employee works fewer hours in one week and compensates for this in the subsequent week by working more hours.

A second area addressed by the Labour Deal is the right to disconnect, which obliges companies with more than 20 employees to have agreements on contact with employees outside of standard working hours. Another significant change relates to e-commerce, which is strictly regulated in Belgium. Night work can now take place between 20:00 and 24:00 and start at 05:00 without an obligatory change in the company’s employment regulations, whereas in the past an agreement was needed for this.

Preparations for the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, to be held by Belgium between January and June 2024, took place. The National Labour Council (the highest-level bipartite negotiation institution) released its bipartite advice for the EU. The council emphasised the importance of all Belgian competence levels collaborating and striving to find consensus in order to avoid inaction on important topics both internally and at European level. In addition, the council stressed the need for policy to take into account the three P’s: planet, prosperity and people. It highlighted the goal of climate neutrality by 2050 and the commitment to leave no one behind in this transition. However, the council regretted its limited involvement by the government in the preparation for the presidency.

The most prominent case of industrial unrest in 2023 took place at retail chain Delhaize. In March, the company management announced its decision to franchise its 128 stores across the country. This move will have an impact on the employment conditions of many employees, and there is also the possibility of dismissals during the transition period. Strikes and actions took place in response at stores, the company headquarters and logistical centres. Negotiations between the unions and the company management were difficult, leading to court cases and strikers being fined. Some concessions and guarantees were ultimately made in favour of the employees. However, the franchising process continues gradually with little prospect of it being halted.

Looking to 2024, the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the first six months of the year will be significant, especially at policy level. Because of the presidency, Belgium is responsible for the coordination of the European position for the International Labour Conference in 2024.

Within Belgium, 2024 is a major election year, with elections to be held at European, regional and federal levels. The outcome will potentially shape labour market policy and working life in the years to come. Additionally, in May, elections will be held in every company that employs at least 50 people to select trade union representatives. The results will have an impact on higher-level social dialogue.