Trade union to challenge unemployment benefit reform in court

5 September 2025

As the Belgian government prepares to send out letters informing people that they will lose their unemployment benefits, the Christian trade union CSC is planning to challenge the reform in the Constitutional Court.

The federal government is reforming benefits by restricting eligibility based on a persons' duration of unemployment and their employment history. On Thursday, the National Employment Office announced that it would start sending out warning letters in waves from mid-September.

National Employment Office to issue warning letters on unemployment benefit limits

The National Employment Office (RVA) will begin sending warning letters about the limiting of unemployment benefits from mid-September. The...

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"We plan to challenge this measure in the Constitutional Court and will encourage those affected to file individual appeals at the labour tribunal," said Marie-Hélène Ska, General Secretary of the CSC, in an interview with RTBF on Friday.

Waiting period

Ska criticised the reform, saying she believes it fails to ensure continuity of rights. The union will assist those losing their unemployment benefits after years of unemployment in seeking support from Public Centres for Social Welfare (CPAS).

"Tens of thousands of people will find themselves with no income at all"

However, Ska warned of delays. "In some CPAS, there’s a waiting period before a case can be submitted. Tens of thousands of people will find themselves with no income at all."

The first wave of warning letters will target around 10,700 people who have been unemployed for at least 20 years. Their entitlement to benefits is scheduled to end on 1 January.

Lack of dialogue

The union leader also denounced what she described as the federal government's "theoretical, ideological reforms". "These measures, such as the changes to night work and pension reforms, do not deliver any tangible benefits to those affected — quite the opposite," she said.

"The scope for action is extremely narrow, with little willingness from the government to listen"

Ska also highlighted the limited influence that unions currently have, which she attributes to a lack of dialogue. "The scope for action is extremely narrow, with little willingness from the government to listen," she said.

She stressed the need for a new approach to social dialogue. "Social consultation must return to the agenda, but in a framework that enables unions to influence economic strategies, not just address the social consequences," she said.

^{Union members at a protest in Brussels on 22 May 2025 © BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM}

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