As expected, the wage standard for 2023-2024 was officially set at 0.0% by the Royal Decree of 13 May 2023. This standard determines how much the average wage cost per employee may increase for a maximum of two years.
For reference, the wage standard for 2021-2022 was 0.4%, while for 2019-2020 it was 1.1%.
Remark
Indexation and wage scale increases on the basis of seniority, normal promotions or individual category changes to which your employees are entitled may be in addition to the wage standard. The purchasing power bonus can also be granted on top of the wage standard. This also applies to some other benefits, such as innovation premiums and the bonus plans of Collective Bargaining Agreement No. 90.
Are you looking for practical guidance and advice? Then contact Partena Professional at legalpartners@partena.be.
Sanction
Employers who do not respect the wage standard, risk a fine of € 250 to € 5,000. The fine is multiplied by the number of employees involved, up to a maximum of 100 employees.
Sectoral negotiations
Given that there is no available margin within the wage standard, sectoral negotiations on this point are obviously limited. However, it is possible to negotiate, for example, the award of the purchasing power bonus or aspects that have no impact on the wage cost.
As soon as the sectors have concluded their sector agreements, we will of course inform you about this via our sector information: click here.
Source: Royal Decree of 13 May 2023 implementing Article 7 § 1 of the Law of 26 July 1996 on the promotion of employment and on the preventative safeguarding of competitiveness (1), Belgian Official Gazette 26.05.2023.