Overview
The European directive is set to take effect in a year and a half from now. What does this mean in practical terms for businesses and how transparent are employers already today?
Which major changes in laws and regulations are set to be introduced that you do well take into account as an employer? What is new on 1 January 2024 and beyond? Below is an overview of the social-legal changes that will impact your work organisation.
How are the 2024 employee representative elections to be organised? What happens on day x-60 and what are your obligations as an employer? We list a number of key issues that will give you a clear picture about the further steps to be taken as a company in the run-up to the 2024 employee representative elections.
The European Whistleblowing Directive now also applies in Belgium. Organisations with at least 50 employees have been required to set up an internal reporting system since 15 February 2023. Does your company’s workforce range from anywhere from 50 up to 249 employees? In that case, you still have until 17 December 2023 to set up a whistleblower reporting channel.
On 9 October 2023, the federal government reached an agreement on the 2024 budget. On the industrial relations front, they agreed on a number of labour market reforms which should help bring about employees working longer or returning to work, making work more rewarding and keeping the labour market competitive. These agreements are to be turned into legislation over the period ahead. Based on the information currently available to us, we are happy to already provide you with a run-down of what this could mean for you.
What if your employees arrive late to work because of traffic disruption? Are they still entitled to their wages?
In spite of the tough business climate, a slightly larger number of white-collar workers were paid a profit bonus this year, which also increased the average amount. This is corroborated by the scan conducted by Acerta. Which makes the profit bonus an advantageous way to reward your employees.
Social elections will be taking place in May 2024 at organisations with at least 50 employees. To check whether that limit was exceeded, a separate calculation (counting) has to be performed, you also have to take agency workers into account, and you have to look at a certain reference period. We're happy to explain to you how to get the count right. and what to watch out for when you have temporary workers on the job.
The 2024 social elections are gradually approaching. In preparation for this, just like every four years, legislation on social elections is being amended. The law was published in the Belgian Official Gazette on 30 June.