Newsflash
Working hours and time off

13 and 17 September saw publication in the Belgian Gazette of three Royal Decrees relating to annual holidays and the so-called additional holidays (better known under the term "European holidays").

The system of "additional holidays" was implemented by the Royal Decree of 19 June 2012 and allows the worker who is starting or restarting an activity to benefit from days off during the first working year (or the year in which work is restarted ) or the following year (with deduction of ordinary vacation days to which he/she is entitled).

Besides some pure form adjustments, the three Royal Decrees specify what is meant by "starting activity" and "restarting activity".

As of now, there is a "restarting activity" in case of:

- passing from a part-time work regime to a full-time regime;

- increasing working time by the equivalent of 20 % or more of a full-time regime

- restarting an activity after a period of parental leave.

This means that the workers who meet the requirements will be eligible for additional holidays, taking into account their work performances during the so-called "vacation year".

Furthermore, it is now allowed to complete a regular half-day of holiday by a half day taken from the additional holiday entitlement.

Finally, the new provisions assimilate breastfeeding breaks (covered by the collective bargaining agreement No. 80) to actual work giving rise to an entitlement to vacation days.

> Action point

Keep in mind that those workers who are increasing their work regime may now enjoy entitlement to additional holidays.