Belgium: mediation on the 2011-2012 cross-industry agreement

Six years ago, when the FGTB rejected the 2005-2006 draft cross-industry agreement, the government enforced it anyway.  This time around, the situation is somewhat different.  First, the socialist union is massively rejecting the agreement (see our dispatch No.  110082), and has the support of its liberal counterpart, the CGSLB.  Secondly, there is no government in Belgium, and the country has been living, for month, with a temporary administration run by Yves Leterme.  Hurried by the emergency of the measures contained in the 2011-2012 cross-industry agreement, Yves Leterme’s team nevertheless looked at the rejected draft agreement.  The members of the outgoing coalition managed to negotiate amendments to the text together, which they are hoping the social partners will validate today.
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

mergency of the measures contained in the 2011-2012 cross-industry agreement, Yves Leterme’s team nevertheless looked at the rejected draft agreement. The members of the outgoing coalition managed to negotiate amendments to the text together, which they are hoping the social partners will validate today.

Indexation. The social partners received the “mediation offer” on Friday. The latter maintains automatic indexation of wages, in spite of the EU’s pressure to remove it (see our dispatch No.

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
United Kingdom: Parliament finally passes Employment Rights Bill
The UK Labour government's flagship reform of employment rights was passed by both houses on 16 December after a turbulent parliamentary process. The bill introduces numerous changes to labour...
18 December 2025
EU: social partners in telecoms sign joint statement on AI
On 16 December, the social partners in Europe's telecommunications sector unveiled a joint statement on artificial intelligence. They propose an action plan for skills and commit to raising...
18 December 2025
EU: MEPs demand directive on algorithmic management
Members of the European Parliament have called for a directive on algorithmic management. Such legislation would introduce obligations for companies to inform employees, assess health and safety...
17 December 2025
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
Spain: new terms and conditions for in-company training contracts
On 25 November, Spain's Council of Ministers approved a regulation on training contracts. This text defines the terms and conditions for hosting work-study students and interns doing professional...
2
EU: Commission issues first recommendation on human capital as part of European Semester
In parallel with the European Semester adopted on 25 November, which proposes guidelines to member states on economic policies for the coming year, the European Commission has adopted an...
3
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
4
Germany: apprenticeship openings fall sharply in manufacturing and chemicals
From 1 January 2026, Dutch collective agreements for temporary employment agencies will alter the employment conditions of temp workers. Agencies will be required to pay these workers at least the...