De Croo explained that they have taken into account the lessons learned during the pandemic, in which teleworking has been mandatory or has been strongly recommended and has led employees to new situations of conciliation.
One of the main measures contemplated in the agreement is that the workers will be able to “agglutinate” the weekly hours to concentrate it in four days a week, so that they could enjoy a day off on the fifth. That is, they will not work fewer hours per week but will work more hours on those four days.
In turn, workers will also be able to opt for a variable regime, working more hours one week and having more free time the next. In both cases, it is the employee who has to request these work formulas, which the Belgian press highlights as “interesting in co-parenting situations”. In addition, workers with variable schedules should know their schedule at least seven days in advance.
But the reform was not far from criticism. The opposition accuses the ruling party of promoting a reform that would harm workers because it concentrates more working hours in a few days and that could have health consequences.
Other reforms
The agreement also provides for making it easier for e-commerce companies to evening job (between 8:00 p.m. and midnight), to better protect workers on platforms such as Uber or Deliveroo. In addition, it is established that people who have given or received a dismissal notice may start working for another company during that period.
Every year, companies must also submit a training plan for their employees, and the right to disconnection outside working hours, so that employees are not “pressured to respond to messages or emails.”
Source: Ambito
David William is a talented author who has made a name for himself in the world of writing. He is a professional author who writes on a wide range of topics, from general interest to opinion news. David is currently working as a writer at 24 hours worlds where he brings his unique perspective and in-depth research to his articles, making them both informative and engaging.
