The federal government has agreed on the wage agreement for the next two years.
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The law of 96 on wages will be respected. The "well-being" envelope will be distributed at 100%.
Companies that have achieved high results in 2022 will have the opportunity to reward their employees with a one-off bonus of 500 euros. This bonus can reach up to 750 euros for companies that have made exceptional profits.
Comparable to the "corona bonus", this bonus will be made possible within social consultation in 2022. It should enable companies that have performed well in recent months to value the efforts of staff, in an exceptional economic context due to the war in Ukraine and the impact of this war on energy prices.
This “purchasing power bonus” covers an amount of 500 euros for companies that have achieved high results. It can climb up to 750 euros for companies that have recorded exceptionally high profits.
It will be paid in 2023 (single premium) in all companies and sectors where an agreement has been reached between representatives of employers and employees for it to be implemented. This is a net tax bonus for salaried staff and 100% tax deductible for the company.
"To preserve the competitiveness of our companies, the wage standard has been set at 0% for the years 2023 and 2024. But at the same time, it was logical for the government to offer the opportunity to companies that can recognize the work of the women and men who contributed to their excellent results. We are making it possible, via an advantageous bonus for employers and staff", rejoices Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, stressing that "this bonus is made possible at a time when the purchasing power of many Belgians is under pressure."
For the beneficiaries of the lowest allowances, pensions and salaries, the government has also agreed on the distribution of the “well-being” envelope. As expected, the latter will be distributed at 100%, for an amount of just over one billion, also intended for active workers. ■
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