Belgium suggests 4 working days a week without wage loss

the Belgium It is a country known for having one of the toughest labor markets in the world. To give the sector more flexibility, an agreement recently announced in the country aims to give citizens more free time.

In practice, the procedure gives Belgian officials the right to implement a work week Complete in just 4 days, instead of the traditional 5. And the best with no loss or reduction in salary.

If the company rejects the request of an employee who wants a smaller workweek, the company must state the reason for the refusal in writing.

“The aim is to give individuals and companies more freedom to regulate their working hours,” Prime Minister Alexandre de Croo said on Tuesday in Brussels.

Recruitment incentive

Eurostat data for the third quarter of 2021 shows that about 71 out of every 100 Belgians between the ages of 20 and 64 are employed. This number is lower compared to the eurozone average of around 73.

To change this scenario, a federal coalition agreement, proposed by seven Belgian parties, set a target for the country’s employment rate: 80% by 2030. This measure is key to ensuring that pensions and futures financing are maintained. Tax cuts.

It should be noted that the new rules also apply to workers on digital platforms, regardless of how convenient the contracts are.