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Gathered yesterday, Wednesday, the government and the social partners agreed on increasing benefits and pensions, increasing net minimum wage, lowering social contributions for employers, upgrading labor law and extending some agreements (early retirement in some heavy trades, innovation bonus), according to a press release read by Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo on Wednesday. As a reminder, a few weeks ago, the social partners sent joint proposals to the government on these topics, but the government failed to agree on the inside and was unable to give a clear stance. The FGTB union used this silence to its advantage as it is not comfortable with one of these issues (flexible working time) and launched the demonstration that woke Brussels up on February 21, gathering 30,000-40,000 people against the pay freeze and assault against indexation. With this agreement, the government endorses the issues mentioned above on which the social partners agree. Regarding wage moderation or the review of the index where the negotiations are stuck, the government should make a decision soon. Finally, after yesterday's meeting, it also decided to set up a tripartite working committee to make proposals on the harmonization of blue and white-collar statuses by the end of March. However, unions are not relieving the pressure. (Ref. 130142)
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