A major protest is being organized by the unions representing the domestic help sector. The action will target a shareholder of a large service voucher company and is set to take place tomorrow or Friday. The unions have planned to convene at the Central Station in Brussels at around 10 am. The identity of the shareholder who is currently in the vicinity is being kept confidential at this moment by the unions.
This action serves as a fresh protest against the one-sided termination of the collective labor agreement, which includes the end-of-year bonus and the union bonus by employers at the end of last year. The unions have made it clear that they will not continue negotiations with the employers unless this withdrawal is reversed. It is estimated by the unions that an average domestic help is set to lose almost 400 euros due to this decision.
In the past, the unions have targeted large service voucher companies with their actions. This time, however, their focus is on the shareholders, who are, according to Issam Benali of the ABVV, the main consumers of the most money. The unions initially published the names and residences of these shareholders but later revised their action to only reveal the municipality where they live. This action was taken following protests by some shareholders. The union’s primary concern, however, is the purchasing power of the household helpers.
A strike notice will cover the domestic workers who participate in the action in Brussels on Friday.
“End of year bonus guaranteed”
Employers, represented by their federation Federgon, have now assured that the end-of-year bonus for domestic helpers is still guaranteed. The amount of the union premium will also remain unchanged, but it will only be paid out when social peace is achieved. They have urged the unions to refrain from creating unnecessary worry among the domestic helpers and customers.
Federgon is calling for constructive social dialogue and believes it is the only way to find solutions for a sustainable future model for the sector. They emphasize that the interests of all parties are similar and if they join forces, their voice for structural change will be louder. The federation also highlighted the underfinancing of the service voucher sector and is seeking structural changes from the government.
