Government continues talks with unions

The federal government is continuing talks with labour unions this week aimed at preventing further strikes such as those seen late last year that found businesses across the country closed and public transport brought to a standstill.

An agreement was presented last month to the so-called Group of Ten – representatives from the various social partners. But two of the partners – from socialist unions – rejected the deal and in fact walked out, leaving the agreement to be signed by a “group of eight”.

Prime minister Charles Michel and employment minister Kris Peeters (pictured) launched discussions yesterday with remaining representatives to hammer out a social agreement that would raise benefits by 2% while limiting wage increases to 0.8%.

The government insists that it will go ahead with the plan despite continued opposition from socialist unions. “The government will now take the necessary legal steps to implement the deal,” said Michel.

Both Michel and Peeters insisted that they want to maintain a good relationship with the unions and avoid confrontation. But some key issues still have to be tackled, such as the reform of the pension system.

Several unions said on Tuesday that they may decide to hold further strikes in protest at government policy, including another national strike.

photo by Francois Lenoir/Reuters/Corbis