4 June, 2010In a time of crisis, tensions over the harmonization of status between manual and non-manual workers are increasing.
BELGIUM: Manual and non-manual workers in Belgium continue to be subject to different legal regimes. In the inter-professional agreement of 2001-2002, the social partners undertook to elaborate a lasting solution, over a six year period, to resolve the differences of status between the two categories of workers. Over the years, discussions of this issue have been difficult, but today, given the offensive being waged by the employers, who are trying to take advantage of the crisis to roll back social gains, the unions are calling for mobilization to protect the workers against any further worsening of their working and employment conditions.
The unions do not deny that the distinction between manual and non-manual workers is now obsolete, but what they want is "upward harmonization of the statuses" and a comprehensive agreement on all aspects, negotiated by the social partners. In two areas, the status of non-manual workers is more favourable: the period of notice for dismissal and the absence of an unpaid first day for sick leave. Manual workers enjoy a shorter trial period and a more advantageous method of calculating vacation pay also including bonuses.
The most important disagreement with management is on the question of prior notice for dismissal. The unions want the reference to be the period of notice for non-manual workers, while the employers are pressing for the right to dismiss with a shorter period of notice for white-collar workers and professionals, as well as a shorter period of entitlement to unemployment benefits, and including a net dismissal bonus exempt from taxes and social security charges. The unions consider that these management proposals can only lead to further precariousness of work and employment. They want an agreement containing an improvement for all wage-earners without discrimination. This is a question of social justice and fairness.
The harmonization of statuses is a fundamental issue for the unions in Belgium, and solidarity between blue- and white-collar workers is essential to achieve a status favourable to all workers. This harmonization will inevitably have major consequences for trade unions and their operation.