20 June, 2011
Accord was reached in Belgium recently for 150,000 metalworkers of three unions, MWB-FGTB/ABVV-Metaal, ACV-CSC Metea, and CGSLB/ACLVB. The two-year collective agreements cover workers in metal manufacturing, including aeronautical, automotive, and metal construction, as well as in the iron and steel industry.
The agreements did not come without discord, however. Contentious bargaining over early retirements, unemployment benefits, contract and temporary workers’ rights, and layoff notices led to issuance of a strike notice that was to take effect on 24 June.
But wage terms were reached in late May between the unions and employers’ federation Agoria in metal manufacturing, and agreement came on 6 June between the unions and the iron and steel grouping GSU. The three union federations won extension of early retirement provisions, and also longer periods of notice before layoffs can take effect.
The issue of subcontracting and temp workers’ rights was put aside and will be addressed in a separate memorandum. Belgian unions are seeking equal pay for equal work for such workers.
Effective on 1 January 2012, redundancy notices will be extended in iron and steel from seven to 28 days for workers with less than six months service, and from 35 to 42 days for workers with over six months but less than five years’ service.
The indexation of wages from cross-industry negotiations early in 2011 with the Belgian government will take hold in metal sectors. Wage rises of 0.3% higher than inflation will go into effect on 1 July 2011 and 1 July 2012. In addition, an economic “green” bonus of €250 will be awarded. This is intended for purchase of environmental friendly products or services. The contracts run until 30 June 2013.