Belgium: start of the negotiations for the new collective agreement in electricity and gas

Harmonizing statuses.  While energy prices keep increasing, employers plead a wage increase contained in the 2011-2012 cross-industry agreement, i.e. 0.3% maximum (see our dispatch No.  110122).  For their part, unions mostly focus on the upward harmonization of the status of workers recruited before and after 2002, when the liberalization of the sector began in Belgium.
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

the debate. (Ref. 110268)

Harmonizing statuses. While energy prices keep increasing, employers plead a wage increase contained in the 2011-2012 cross-industry agreement, i.e. 0.3% maximum (see our dispatch No. 110122). For their part, unions mostly focus on the upward harmonization of the status of workers recruited before and after 2002, when the liberalization of the sector began in Belgium.

The status of white-collar workers, more advantageous than the status of blue-collar workers, was f

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: Crédit Agricole signs first independent agreement on disability
On 8 December, French banking group Crédit Agricole and three of the four representative trade unions (CFE-CGC, CFDT and FO) in France signed a disability agreement for the period...
Norway: role of labour inspectorate strengthened to prevent sick leave
On 8 January, the Norwegian government issued a 2026 letter of assignment to the labour inspectorate, signalling an intention to strengthen its enforcement activity. The main objective of the...
9 January 2026
Czech Republic: employers required to contribute to retirement savings for employees in high-risk occupations
Since 1 January 2026, Czech employers have been required to contribute to the retirement savings of employees in occupations classified as high-risk (known as ‘category three’) due to...
8 January 2026
Spain: government wants 3.1% minimum wage hike
Spain's ministry of labour has informed the social partners of its intention to raise the minimum wage to €1,221 gross per month. This increase is expected to be approved by the Council of...
8 January 2026
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
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...
2
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...