By laws of October 7, 2022 Belgium finally transposed the European directive on transparent and predictable working conditions (Directive (EU) 2019/1152), and partially transposed the European directive on work-life balance (Directive (EU) 2019/1158). Here is an overview of some of the most important changes in Belgian law.
Measures to promote work-life balance
New type of leave for carers:
Better protection for employees dismissed for benefiting from or being about to benefit from thematic leave (such as parental leave):
More difficult to refuse or postpone parental leave.
Obligation to inform employees about the “essential aspects of the employment relationship”
Employers must inform their employees about the “essential aspects of the employment relationship.” This obligation applies to new employees, and to existing employees who specifically ask for this information.
The “essential aspects” cover e.g., the identity of the parties, the employee’s position, the place of work, etc., as well as collective information such as the length of annual vacations, notice periods, and training rights.
This information may be provided in any written form. However, depending on the nature of the information (individual/collective), the employment contract and the Work Rules seem to be the most obvious vehicles.
»Many employers in Belgium are probably already in compliance with these obligations, but a review of current HR practice in light of the new law is recommended.
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