Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2025, published 114th ILC session (2026)

Belgium

Minimum Wage-Fixing Machinery Convention, 1928 (No. 26) (Ratification: 1937)
Minimum Wage Fixing Machinery (Agriculture) Convention, 1951 (No. 99) (Ratification: 1968)

In order to provide a comprehensive view of the issues relating to the application of the ratified Conventions on wages, the Committee considers it appropriate to examine Conventions Nos 26 and 99 (minimum wage) together.

The Committee notes the observations of the Confederation of Christian Trade Unions (CSC), the General Confederation of Liberal Trade Unions of Belgium (CGSLB) and the General Labour Federation of Belgium (FGTB) received on 23 September 2025, in respect of the above-mentioned Conventions.

Article 3(2) of Convention No. 26 and Article 3(3) of Convention No. 99. Participation of the social partners. The Committee notes the observations of the CSC, the CGSLB and the FGTB, alleging that in its government agreement, the Federal Government announced an increase in the minimum wage for 2028 equivalent to that fixed by the social partners in 2026, thereby replacing the social partners who, in an interoccupational social agreement of 2021, did not pronounce on the steps to take in 2028. In this regard, the Committee recalls that Conventions Nos 26 and 99 provide for the association of the social partners in applying the minimum wage-fixing machinery in such manner and to such extent as may be determined by national laws, but in any case on a basis of complete equality (Article 3(2) of Convention No. 26 and Article 3 of Convention No. 99). The Committee requests the Government to communicate its comments in respect of these observations.