The Belgian government is moving toward a system of annualized working hours, a legislative proposal that would allow companies to fluctuate weekly schedules based on seasonal demand.
The measure, adopted in the first reading this past summer, aims to smooth out production volumes by allowing daily shifts of up to 12 hours.
This shift toward “accordion hours” represents a broader trend of labor market flexibilization in Belgium, as reported by Moustique. Under the proposed framework, the standard 38-hour work week would be maintained as an annual average, but employers could extend or reduce weekly hours—up to a maximum of 48 hours—to align with peak business activity.
Florence Wairy, a legal expert at Group S, described the proposal as a potential “win-win” for businesses and employees, noting that it could provide a “real breath of fresh air” for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) struggling with seasonal fluctuations.
The proposal relies on individual agreements between employers and employees to ensure the system remains voluntary. Proponents suggest that employees could benefit from increased time off during slower periods, which could be dedicated to family or leisure. If the arrangement proves unsatisfactory, the worker would retain the right to reverse the agreement, subject to a notice period.
However, the plan has met significant resistance from labor unions. Representatives argue that current labor laws already provide sufficient flexibility and that these new measures could undermine the ability of labor inspectors to effectively monitor working hours. The unions also contend that the proposal ignores the inherent power imbalance between employers and employees, fearing that workers might be pressured into accepting these fluctuating schedules.
| Indicator | Context |
|---|---|
| Flexi-jobbers (2025) | 261,000 workers |
| Dual-job holders (2025) | 315,000 people |
| Maximum proposed weekly hours | 48 hours |
| Standard weekly average | 38 hours |
The debate over annualized hours is part of a larger, ongoing shift in the Belgian labor landscape. The rise of flexi-jobs, introduced in 2015, has seen record participation, with 261,000 people utilizing the system as of 2025. While these roles provide supplementary income, critics argue they risk precarizing the workforce and weakening the social security system.
Sociologist François Pichault of HEC Liège notes that the demand for flexibility often stems from a desire for autonomy, with many workers seeking secondary income through self-employment to distance themselves from traditional, rigid hierarchical structures.
The tension between corporate efficiency and worker wellbeing remains the core of the conflict. Unions have explicitly cited health concerns in their opposition to the bill, warning that structural increases in daily work hours are linked to higher rates of fatigue, sleep disorders, and occupational burnout. They argue that “accordion hours” could lead to a decline in purchasing power for those who previously relied on overtime pay for additional earnings.
While the Federation of Enterprises in Belgium (FEB) has welcomed the initiative, the legislative path forward remains contested. The proposal highlights the difficulty of reconciling the modern demand for a fluid, adaptable labor market with the protections established by the traditional employment model.
As the government evaluates these changes, the focus remains on whether the flexibility gained by the employer will ultimately come at the expense of the worker’s long-term security.
