Working in the private sector
The private sector comprises all businesses and organisations not under the management or direction of the public authorities. This obviously includes commercial businesses, but non-profit organisations (the legal acronym in French is 'asbl') are also in this category. The majority of workers in Belgium are employed in the private sector.
Employees
The relationship between private sector employees and employers is governed by an employment contract. Employees in Belgium are further divided into two categories: 'ouvriers' and 'employés'. The former are what are informally known as ‘blue-collar workers’ in English; the latter as ‘white-collar workers’. The two categories of workers have slightly different employment conditions in terms of probationary period, notice period, temporary layoffs, holiday bonuses and wage or salary payment.
For more information on employment contracts (FR/NL)External link see the employment portal Belgium.be
Private sector employers must comply with federal labour law and the collective bargaining agreements, which are concluded by sector.
To find out more about employment conditions (FR/NL)External link, visit the website of the FPS Employment, Labour and Social Dialogue
Contact us
FPS Employment, Labour and Social Dialogue
Rue Ernest Blerot, 11070 Brussels