Flemish network of enterprises warns for worsening labour cost handicap
Voka, the Flemish network of enterprises, warned on Monday evening for a worsening of the labour cost handicap. Voka launched a 'Growth Manifesto' during a meeting in the Brussels Tour & Taxis with around 600 entrepreneurs and politicians, including the federal Ministers of Energy and Finance, and the Flemish Ministers of Economy, Education and Administration. In the manifesto, Voka lists eleven concrete commitments that can ensure sustainable economic growth.
According to Voka, the successive automatic indexation of wages in Belgium will result in the wage handicap of our country worsening by 5 percent compared to our neighbouring countries. "The improvement regarding the wage handicap in the period 2008-2019 would thus be reversed," it says. For Voka, therefore, there is no question of amending the wage standard law.
"Our companies must be able to remain competitive in a European and international context," says Voka chairman Wouter De Geest. "That competitive position is under heavy pressure because of the strong increase in wage costs. Not doing anything about it will catapult this country back 20 years."
In the Voka Growth Manifesto, the Flemish companies make eleven commitments to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow. "We want to ensure sustainable growth that benefits as many people as possible. We are going to make use of every talent and provide inclusive work environments. We are going to do everything we can to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Finally, further investment in research and development is crucial," says De Geest.
For Voka, it is essential that as many people as possible are employed and remain employed. "The bar has to be raised. We are increasing the objective and now aim for an employment rate of 85 percent. Flanders cannot be content with the middle ground. We aspire to the top position," says the Voka chairman.
According to Voka, companies, the government, universities, research institutes and colleges currently spend over 3% of gross domestic product (GDP) on research and development. The employers' organisation wants to see this increased to 5%. "That would make Flanders a world leader," says De Geest.
(TOM)
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