Collective employment law

The co-determination mechanisms in Belgium are characterised by a large measure of complexity. It is therefore necessary to have a great deal of expertise on hand with knowledge of the legal provisions and the mechanisms for negotiating with union organisations. For this reason, a large number of clients call on Stibbe’s specialists to guide and assist them through this maze.

We handle the following types of matters:

• assistance in the management of works councils and health and safety at work committees and protection at work (as an institution and operating procedures)
• dialogue with union organisations and the union chapter (appointment, role and competence)
• setting up and working with European works councils
• managing industrial conflict (strikes, lock-outs, company sit-ins, etc.)
• the organisation of in-house elections
• preparation of company level collective bargaining agreements, dealing with working conditions and pay
• assistance in changing paritarian committees and the consequences on industrial relations
• procedures for dismissing protected workers (works council – health and safety at work committee – union delegation )