The ACV union has called for urgent measures to boost purchasing power in Belgium, emphasizing the need for at least a half-percent wage increase above the inflation index. This demand was voiced by ACV chair Ann Vermorgen during her speech in Ghent on 2025-05-27 23:08:00, marking the Rerum Novarum celebration of the Christian labour movement.
- Ann Vermorgen urges quick purchasing power increase
- ACV highlights inflation drop, calls for wage margin
- Minister Clarinval allows extra purchasing power options
- ACV criticizes wage freeze as socially unjust
- Union demands halt to jobless benefit cuts
- ACV calls for fiscal reform and spending cuts
Vermorgen highlighted that with inflation easing and additional tax reliefs for companies, there is room for a wage margin that could enhance workers’ real incomes. However, the current wage norm law restricts salary rises beyond the index, although Minister of Work David Clarinval has indicated some flexibility through bonuses or meal vouchers. Social partners are expected to present a proposal by June 7.
What does this mean for Belgian workers facing rising living costs? And how will the government’s fiscal policies impact this delicate balance? The following summary sheds light on these pressing questions.
Is freezing wages the right approach during tough economic times? Vermorgen argues it is not only socially unjust but also fiscally counterproductive, as frozen gross wages reduce government revenue while costly measures are still needed to support net incomes. The union also criticizes so-called “cheat software” – employer subsidies and social security reductions – which distort the real wage margin, potentially increasing it to 3%. Key points include:
- ACV demands avoiding unnecessary spending like hiring subsidies and innovation tax credits.
- The union opposes government plans to annualize working hours, threatening job security and fair overtime pay.
- Calls are made to freeze cuts in unemployment benefits until promised job offers become clear.
Looking forward, it remains essential for Belgian policymakers and social partners to balance economic realities with fair worker compensation. Will the government heed ACV’s call for a meaningful wage increase, or will wage freezes deepen social inequalities? The coming weeks will be decisive for Belgium’s labour landscape and purchasing power protection.
