ABVV Demands Urgent Action.. 10,000+ Belgian Women 55+ Face Job Loss Crisis

ABVV Calls for Action as 10,000+ Belgian Women 55+ Risk Job Loss

The ABVV warns stricter rules for 55-plus unemployment benefits risk excluding 10,000 part-time working women, challenging government claims of protection.

Marie Dupont22 May 2025Last Update : 10 hours ago

ABVV wil uitzondering op maatregel: “Beperking werkloosheid dreigt 10.000 vrouwelijke 55-plussers te treffen”

www.nieuwsblad.be

The planned limitation of unemployment benefits in Belgium has sparked heated debate, especially regarding the treatment of workers aged 55 and above. On 2025-05-21 15:43:00, the federal government and regional authorities are set to discuss the controversial reduction of unemployment benefits to a maximum of two years. This reform, described by Prime Minister Bart De Wever as the government’s “crown jewel,” aims to reshape social security but raises concerns among unions and affected workers.

6 Key Takeaways

ABVV criticizes stricter 55-plus unemployment rules
Minister Clarinval enforces full-time career condition
Approximately 10,000 older women face exclusion
Government limits unemployment benefits to two years
De Wever calls reform government’s “crown jewel”
ABVV prepares additional opposition arguments Wednesday

The socialist union ABVV has criticized the stricter-than-expected exception for 55-plus workers, warning that nearly 10,000 women over 55 who worked part-time could lose their unemployment benefits. Their objection focuses on the new requirement demanding a full-time career of 30 or 35 years, effectively excluding many who worked part-time or irregular hours.

What does this mean for Belgium’s aging workforce and the future of social protection? Let’s explore the implications before the upcoming government talks.

Fast Answer: Belgium’s new unemployment benefit rules risk excluding many 55-plus workers, especially women with part-time careers, from long-term support, despite government assurances of protection.

Is the government balancing fiscal responsibility with social fairness? The ABVV’s concerns highlight potential gaps in the policy’s design:

The government’s condition requires a full-time career, excluding those with part-time work histories.
An estimated 24,000 long-term jobseekers are aged 55 or older, with about 10,000 women at risk of losing benefits.
Minister David Clarinval’s stricter approach contrasts with the original coalition agreement, intensifying exclusion risks.
Will this discourage older workers from seeking part-time jobs or force premature retirement?

This reform directly impacts Belgium’s ageing workforce, a key demographic in the country’s labour market and social security system.

As the government finalises its stance, will it reconsider the criteria to better protect vulnerable workers? Keeping the conversation open and inclusive is essential to ensure fair social policies that support all Belgians.