The three main Flemish trade unions are pleased with the regional government's decision to raise the cost of service vouchers by €1 in the north of the country.
The socialist ABVV, liberal ACLVB, and Christian ACV unions are urging employers to quickly negotiate a sectoral agreement so that domestic helpers' wage increases can take effect from January 2025.
From 1 January, the cost of service vouchers in Flanders will increase from €9 to €10. Users redeeming 2024 vouchers in 2025 will also pay this additional charge. The acquisition price of service vouchers will follow inflation adjustments in the future.
Regional Employment Minister Zuhal Demir (N-VA) believes this extra euro should "entirely" benefit the Flemish workers providing these services. She has pledged to mediate between employers and unions to reach an agreement "as soon as possible, so domestic helpers finally earn what they deserve."
The unions highlight that workers in this sector receive one of the lowest average gross monthly wages in the market.
The sectoral federation Federgon is ready to negotiate swiftly and constructively, and to apply this €1 increase retroactively if necessary.
Service vouchers are very popular in Flanders: there are approximately 750,000 users and they provide work to around 127,000 people, most of whom have lower levels of education. The system also helps combat unregistered employment.
In addition to the price increase, the tax deductibility (€1.80 per voucher) will also be removed.
