The Belgian Government has fixed the Belgian wage norm at 0% for the period 2025-2026.
Any deviation from the 0% wage norm at intersectoral, sectoral, company or individual level is prohibited. Non-compliance can result in a significant fine.
Belgian labor law fixes the maximum margin by which labor costs may increase in any given period (the “wage norm”). The reason for this wage norm framework is to preserve the country’s competitiveness in the international market.
Every two years, the Belgian Central Economic Council prepares a outlining the permissible margin for labor cost development, based on the expected evolution in Germany, France and the Netherlands. The Belgian Government, following negotiations with the social partners based on this report, has now set the wage norm for the period 2025-2026 at 0%.
In concrete terms, this means that the average wage cost may not increase. Any deviation from the wage norm at intersectoral, sectoral, company or individual level is prohibited. Non-compliance can result in a fine between 250 and 5,000 for the employer. This fine is multiplied by the number of employees involved, up to a maximum of 100 employees.
It should be noted, however, that salary indexation and “baremic” increases are not covered by this general prohibition. Similarly, an increase in the wage bill resulting from a rise in the number of full-time equivalent employees at...
In 1995, Princess Diana made broadcasting history and shaped the future of the Royal Family when she sat down with Martin Bashir for an episode of BBC's Panorama. Three decades on, the interview c...