Trade union protest on 29 September

The FGTB, CSC and CGSLB trade unions are calling a joint demonstration in Brussels on 29 September.

Some of your workers may decide to take time off work on that day to join in the protest.

Does an employer have to pay staff for hours not worked due to attending this demonstration?

The employer does not have to pay workers who take part in the protest for hours not worked.

Absent workers who are trade union members may possibly get a day’s "strike pay" paid by their union.

NB - To avoid any argument afterwards, employers are strongly urged to notify all their workers beforehand that any worker who takes part in the demonstration on Thursday 29 September 2016 will not be entitled to pay for hours not worked.

Workers who do not wish to suffer any loss of pay may, by agreement with their employer, take a day’s holiday or time off in lieu.

And what about the strike planned on 7 October?

The trade unions had announced that they were planning to hold a national strike on 7 October. That strike was called off but regional actions might take place.

Author: Catherine Legardien

27/09/2016