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Domestic workers win pay rise after strike

10:51 04/02/2020

Belgium's 160,000 domestic workers, who are paid using the service vouchers scheme, have have won a pay rise after walking out on strike.

Cleaners and housekeepers will see their gross pay increase by 0.8%, back-dated to 1 January, after unions and employers reached an agreement this week.

Household helpers are among the lowest-paid workers in Belgium, typically earning just €11.50 per hour before tax.

They have been demonstrating since November for a better rate - and staged a one-day strike last month, calling for a 1.1% wage increase.

Other measures agreed this week include an extra 10% allowance for taking ironing work home, better leave for parents and caregivers, and the drafting of a new charter against inappropriate behaviour.

Written by The Bulletin