The wage norm is a percentage that expresses the maximum increase in salary costs over a two-year period, determined on the basis of the increase in salary costs in Germany, France and the Netherlands. By limiting the increase in salary costs, the aim is to preserve Belgium's competitive position in relation to its neighbours. The wage norm is important for industries and companies, as it will determine the framework within which salary increases are granted.
For the period 2019-2020, it will now be possible to determine the wage norm. Indeed, the technical report of the secretary of the Central Economic Council (CEC), in which the maximum available margin for the evolution of salary costs is determined, was released last Wednesday and provides that the available margin for 2019-2020 is 0.8% (see https://www.ccecrb.fgov.be/dpics/fichiers/2019-01-17-01-52-00_RTCCE20190100.pdf). Automatic indexation of wages is not part of the wage norm.
This report was sent to the Group of Ten in the framework of the interprofessional salary negotiations, which is meeting with the aim of concluding the next interprofessional agreement. This interprofessional agreement must, in particular, determine the definitive maximum margin for the evolution of salary costs in 2019-2020 (without being able to exceed the percentage set by the CEC, namely 0.8%).
If no interprofessional agreement can be concluded, the government may intervene and set the maximum margin for the evolution of salary costs.
We will closely follow the interprofessional salary negotiations and keep you informed of their progress.
