Margin. Talks opened on March 14th within equal committee No. 109, which covers the 20,000 people working in clothing. It gathers sectoral representatives from the key unions in Belgium, CSC, FGTB and CGSLB, as well as the CREAMODA employers’ organization. The social partners have a very limited wage margin – 0.3% as defined in the 2011-2012 cross-industry agreement. Even though the FGTB and CGSLB didn’t sign the agreement (see our dispatch No. 110149), it is the margin used for bargaining. Employers, encouraged by unions to do something for workers’ buying power, say they can’t afford it because of inflation. However, they suggested annualizing working time within the framework of short-time working. This would help them face variations in orders and be more competitive. This issue isn’t included in the draft agreement currently debated.
hing for workers’ buying power, say they can’t afford it because of inflation. However, they suggested annualizing working time within the framework of short-time working. This would help them face variations in orders and be more competitive. This issue isn’t included in the draft agreement currently debated.
Seniors. The draft contains elements of compromise which the social partners still need to validate. Employers could accept a €0.60 increase on meal tickets, bringing them to €2.90, a
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