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The Belgian cabinet is abolishing the general ban on night work and relaxing the rules for retail. What had already been agreed upon in the summer is now confirmed: in distribution and e-commerce, only labour between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. counts as night work from now on.
“Better alignment”
In distribution and e-commerce, only work performed between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. will still be considered night work. Minister of Labor David Clarinval emphasizes that this brings Belgium into line with its neighboring countries. “This reform provides a modern, balanced, and protective framework,” he says. “We are creating a more dynamic and attractive labor market that is better aligned with the current economic reality.”
The agreement thus confirms what the government already laid down in its summer agreement. The ban on night work will disappear, and only those working in e-commerce and logistics between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. will still be subject to the night regime with a mandatory premium. The existing premiums from the collective labor agreements will continue to apply. For new hires, there will be a premium for work between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., but employers may apply the same premiums as for current employees. The government is also relaxing the procedure for introducing evening work.
The new rules apply exclusively to distribution, logistics, and e-commerce, with a list of fourteen joint committees defining the distribution sector and related activities. This includes retail trade with full or partial online sales, wholesale trade, logistics services for third parties, e-commerce, and Bpost. An evaluation will follow one year after the entry into force.
