In Flanders, local government staff working in residential care centres, nurseries, establishments for people with disabilities, or family support services will be entitled to three consecutive weeks of leave from 1 January.
The Flemish Government approved the proposal on Friday, presented by the Interior Minister, Hilde Crevits (CD&V).
The measure affects 40,000 full-time equivalents who often face challenging working weeks due to night shifts or shift work, according to a statement. Previously, staff could only take such extended leave at the employer's discretion.
Employers can still refuse the three-week leave, but only for organisational reasons, such as when round-the-clock service cannot be guaranteed.
This decision is part of an inter-sectoral agreement in the north of the country. The aim is to give staff the necessary time to recharge, improve their well-being, and make care professions more attractive, according to Minister Crevits.
