The three regional governments have been formed! The programme in Brussels

Since the elections of 26 May, negotiations have been well under way at the various levels of government. The three regions and the federal level all had the same objective: to form a government and agree on a common programme.

For the three regions, the die is cast. Each regional government presented its government statement. A brief overview of what the next 5 years will bring for employers. We start with the Brussels government, which was the first to present its programme.

Employment

One of the key objectives of this government is to improve the employment rate in Brussels. The main focus here is on training, given the relatively low qualification rate of job-seekers.

This is why the 'Youth Guarantee' is extended to all job-seekers. The 'Solution Guarantee' will offer all job-seekers 'a job, an internship, a training course or skills recognition'.

The government will also increase vocational training within the company and alternance training. To this end, the government will extend the bonus granted to young people who alternate between work and study to those under 25 years of age and gradually increase it. 

Partnerships will also be established between employment and vocational training services and certain sectors in order to set up four training and employment centres. The following sectors will be particularly targeted: transport and logistics, technology, construction, ICT, but also sustainable food and the non-commercial sector.

The various employment aid measures will be reformed. Changes are coming up for the ACS-system and the so-called employment via 'Article 60'.

The 'paid educational leave', which has already been modified in Flanders, will also be reformed.

Fight against discrimination

In Brussels more than elsewhere, many workers of immigrant origin are discriminated against. Whether in hiring or at work, the Brussels government wants to fight all forms of discrimination.

The previous government had adopted an order on 'testing' to combat discrimination in hiring. To carry out these practical tests, CVs with the same skills but different sources of discrimination are sent to some employers who are suspected of discrimination in hiring. In cooperation with Unia, inspection resources will be implemented to step up the fight against discrimination. The government will review the existing sanctions regime and ensure the introduction of dissuasive sanctions.

Public employment aid will also be made conditional on the application of a diversity plan validated by Actiris. That plan should set clear and measurable quantitative objectives.

Mobility

Various measures will be taken to improve mobility. A generalized zone 30 by 2021, confirmation of the construction of the Northern metro line and extension of several tram lines, modification of STIB/MIVB rates, increase in the modal share of cycling,...

With regard to the proliferation of new mobility solutions, the government will supervise the various shared mobility solutions (scooter bikes and bikes) with the granting of a licence. The collection of a contribution will make it possible to finance parking facilities for these shared bikes and scooter bikes.

The Brussels government will also develop a public platform bringing together the various existing travel offers in Brussels. The various car parks will also be included on this platform. This should make it easier for everyone to find their way around the Brussels mobility jungle.

A little more patience

Although the Brussels government has quickly announced its intentions, the first budget for this legislature is still being prepared. Once it is adopted, many of the measures announced will become more tangible.

Source: Joint General Policy Statement of the Government of the Brussels-Capital Region and of the United College of the Joint Community Commission,18 July 2019.