Blue Flash 02/2025

Feb 133 min read

Happy Valentine's Day

Today, Valentine's Day is a commercial and romantic tradition around the world.

In some countries, such as Japan, women give chocolate to men, who return the favor a month later on White Day. In other cultures, Valentine's Day is not only about romantic love, but also about friendship and affection.

The meaning of Valentine's Day has changed over the centuries, but the essence remains the same: celebrating love and togetherness. Whether you appreciate your partner, friends, or family, Valentine's Day reminds us to show our affection to those who are important to us.

ACLVB/CGSLB, like every year, wishes to celebrate this day with you in style by offering you a chocolate heart.

Why do you deserve this attention at work?

Simply because we appreciate you, admire you for your dedication, your loyalty and all the efforts you make every day and especially in these difficult times.

Enjoy your chocolate heart to the fullest.

As a union, we also work on your life outside of work

At CGSLB, we put our members first . We believe that a personal approach is extremely important, as are our four core values: freedom, solidarity, responsibility and tolerance.

This is why we want to support you not only in your professional issues, but also in your life outside of work . From taxation to rental legislation, from bonuses and allowances to digital support; ACLVB also works on your life outside of work!

Find out below which themes are part of our 360° service

ACLVB/CGSLB calls for greater awareness around “menopause”

Vrouwen van rond de 50 verdwijnen al te snel van de arbeidsmarkt door diagnoses als depressief of burnout terwijl menopauze aan de basis kan liggen.

Menopause affects half of the population, but is often not discussed much, particularly in the workplace.

However, 8 out of 10 women suffer from complaints such as hot flashes, depressive feelings, poor sleep and muscle pain.

What is menopause?

Menopause is a gradual process in which hormone production decreases and menstruation stops. It occurs in three phases:

1. Perimenopause: Transition period before the last period.

2. Menopause: period of the last menstrual period.

3. Postmenopause: the period following menopause.

Impact on the workplace

Many complaints go unrecognized or unaddressed. Women are often misdiagnosed as depression or burnout, leading to medication or job loss. Between 2016 and 2021, the number of burnouts and depressions increased by 46%, two-thirds of which concern women. The link with hormonal changes is rarely established.

Breaking the taboo

Many women and employers are unaware of the impact of menopause, while proper advice can make all the difference. With the right support, women can remain energetic and productive. Experience, perspective and expertise even make them golden employees. It’s time to break the taboo and make menopause a topic of conversation!

Did you know?

If you, as an employee, fall ill on your public holiday, you can now make up these days at another time of the year.

Since 2024, Belgian employees can recover their statutory holiday days if they fall ill during their leave. However, an analysis by Acerta shows that only 0.0265% of employees use this.

This right applies only to statutory holidays and not to public holidays or official holidays. Unused days can be taken within the same working year or within the following 24 months.