French Labor Law Reform Bill Passes First Reading

A bill proposing significant reforms to Belgian labor law was approved in its first reading by the Chamber of Social Affairs committee on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. The legislation, initially tabled in September 2023, aims to increase the employment rate to 80% by 2029, according to Minister of Employment David Clarinval.

The proposed reforms center on increasing business competitiveness through greater labor market flexibility. Key provisions include easing regulations surrounding night perform, reducing the minimum required weekly working hours, streamlining procedures for overtime, and capping severance pay in cases of dismissal at 52 weeks.

Opposition parties, including the PS and PTB, have voiced strong objections to the bill, arguing that it will erode worker protections. Specifically, concerns have been raised regarding the potential elimination of night work premiums. Sophie Thémont (PS) warned that ending night work premiums between 8 p.m. And 11 p.m. Would likely lead to increased exploitation, according to reports.

Minister Clarinval sought to allay these concerns, clarifying that the removal of night work premiums would only apply to latest contracts within private sector companies engaged in retail, wholesale trade, logistics for third parties, and e-commerce. However, this clarification failed to satisfy the opposition.

The bill’s passage through the committee is only the first step in the legislative process. It will now be sent for a second reading at the request of the PTB before being considered by the full Chamber.

Recent changes to labor regulations, effective September 9, 2023, already restrict the ability to deviate from legally mandated trial period durations, as noted by Voltaire Avocats. A September 1, 2023, update to social security regulations included revalorization of minimum pensions and an expansion of early retirement options.

A September 13, 2023, ruling by the Court of Cassation, subsequently codified in law, clarified that employees are now able to accumulate paid depart during periods of sick leave.