The Belgian core cabinet is abolishing the general ban on night work and at the same time relaxing the rules for the distribution sector. What was previously laid down in the summer agreement has now been given the definitive green light: in distribution and e-commerce, only work between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. is still considered night work. Minister of Labor David Clarinval points out that Belgium is in line with regulations in surrounding countries.
The existing premiums established through collective labor agreements will be maintained. A premium is provided for new employees for work in the hours between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., whereby employers may apply the same allowances as for current staff. In addition, the government is simplifying the procedure for introducing evening work.
The new regulation only applies to distribution, logistics and e-commerce. The demarcation is done via a list of fourteen joint committees, including retail with full or partial online sales, wholesale, logistics service providers for third parties, e-commerce companies and Bpost. An evaluation of the measure will follow one year after its entry into force.
