Belgium: social partners in the chemical sector implement a Demographic Fund

On 09 February the social partners in the chemicals, plastics, and biotech sector announced the implementation of a “Unique Demographic Fund in Belgium” in a bid to preempt a trend towards longer careers (with government plans to extend career paths until age 67) and guarantee employment throughout a career.
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The chemicals sector agreement of June 2015 intended for the implementation of a Demographic Fund along the lines of the German model (c.f. article No. 080311). On 09 February a joint press release by the Setca, FGTB chemicals, CNE, CSC, and CGSLB unions as well as the employers’ body Essenscia presented the agreement that sets out the fund’s legal structure and goals, and which “will dedicate a part of the gross payroll to company projects that focus on feasible, achievable work.”

The fund is i

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