L&E Global’s Employment Law Overviews 2019-2020 Global Edition

Belgium was hit by a national strike on 13 February 2019. The collective actions were caused by the discontent of the trade unions with the national wage bargaining system, which they argue to limit their freedom to negotiate higher wage increases

On 24 December 2018 the Single Permit procedure became applicable. Non-EER citizens who want to stay and work in Belgium and their employers will have to follow this new procedure. The single permit procedure replaces the old double procedure for separate stay permits and work permits

The Act of 26 December 2013 laid down a deadline of 1 January 2019 in the Employment Contracts Act for the sectors to introduce new outplacement measures in collective bargaining agreements. As no sector has undertaken any action in this regard, the National Labour Council is trying to find a solution, as the absence of such provisions are punished by additional contributions for employers and employees in case of dismissal.

Before, schooling clauses were only allowed if the annual wage of the employee reached a certain threshold. Legislation has now been introduced with a possibility to provide a schooling clause in employment contracts for lower paid bottleneck jobs.

Employers who are looking to hire foreign (non-EEA) workers, will soon be able to apply for a single permit instead of two (residence and work permit in one). However, finding the correct legal sources might become difficult thanks to the transfer of competences to the Regions.

The Act of 18 July 2018 has introduced an annual threshold of 6130 euro, for additional income derived from work for associations, occasional services by private persons for private persons, and the on demand economy. Under this threshold, no income taxes or social security contributions are required

New legislation requires an employer to discuss with the workers’ representatives the disconnection from work and the use of digital means of communication.