Sector-level bargaining and possibilities for deviations at company level : Belgium

The Belgian collective bargaining system is highly institutionalised and coordinated. Over 90% of employees are covered by a collective agreement, placing Belgium among the countries with the highest coverage in Europe. Also, the Belgian trade unions have a relatively high level of membership compared with the European average, with over 50% of employees belonging to a union. The same applies to the organisation rate of employers, as over 70% of employees work for an employer that is organised.