Union takes legal action against plan to limit unemployment benefits
The socialist trade union ABVV is preparing legal action against the Belgian government's proposal to cap unemployment benefits at two years, De Tijd reports.
According to ABVV, the proposal would impact around 145,000 people from January 2026. The union says this estimate is based on its internal database, which covers approximately 45 per cent of Belgium’s long-term unemployed people. It warns that a majority of those affected will be forced to seek help from public social welfare centres.
This figure notably exceeds the 100,000 cited by Employment minister David Clarinval of MR, who based his projection on data from the National Employment Office.
In response, ABVV is preparing to challenge the measure in labour court, invoking the "standstill principle". This legal doctrine holds that acquired social rights, such as the right to social security, are protected under Article 23 of the Belgian Constitution and cannot be dismantled without strong justification.
The union believes it has precedent on its side. “We won then, and that will happen again now,” it said, referencing an earlier case where the court ruled in its favour based on the same principle.
Union members take part in a strike © BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND
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