Belgium Government Seeks Expansion Of Flexi-Job System

The Belgian Council of Ministers validated an extension of flexi-jobs to all sectors during a meeting on April 30. This allows workers to take on complementary jobs in addition to their primary employment or for pensioners. The expansion includes the healthcare sector and the civil service. Under the new rules, individuals may also work in a company belonging to their current employer, a practice previously prohibited. The system, originally created in 2015, allows employers to hire staff for supplemental hours. An annual income maximum has been set for this system. Unions have expressed concerns that the expansion could negatively impact permanent contracts and student jobs. Federal Employment Minister David Clarinval acknowledged an impact on certain sectors but disputed the unions' characterization of the effect. The Belgian government aims to pass legislation to expand the flexi-job system to all sectors before the summer. The expansion is intended to facilitate job creation, such as allowing restaurants to open on Saturdays and Sundays. The generalization of these flexi-jobs must still be adopted by the federal parliament. The announcement coincides with the first day of May, which also includes new reduced tariffs for federal museums like the Magritte Museum.