Blue Flash 03/2025
- ACLVB/CGSLB
- Mar 19
- 5 min read
You asked us how we wanted to react to the wave of the government agreement which could overwhelm us.
ACLVB/CGSLB continues to oppose measures that undermine the social rights of citizens. The approach is clear: negotiate with impact, exert constructive pressure, but without paralyzing the country.
In recent months, we have already proven that our approach works. Thanks to our action on the increase in meal vouchers, it was unanimously adopted by the government. Now it is time to ensure its implementation. We will do everything possible to ensure that this increase is negotiated in as many companies and sectors as possible. The coming weeks will be devoted to giving every chance to dialogue, but without being naive.
After an internal consultation, ACLVB/CGSLB has decided not to participate in the general strike on 31 March. "This is not a judgement on colleagues from other unions who choose to strike. It is not a break in the common union front, on the contrary! We share the same concerns, but we believe that sustainable solutions are negotiated at the negotiating table," says Gert Truyens. "A strike is a powerful means, but it is not an end in itself. We want to give negotiations a real chance, without being naive."
However, this does not mean that the CGSLB is standing aside. The union is launching a broad campaign to keep up the pressure.
At the same time, intensive discussions are taking place within the Group of 10 and with policy makers to ensure that there is real progress.
On March 13 – exactly one month after the last major demonstration – ACLVB/CGSLB will assess the situation. If by then no tangible progress has been made, further measures will be considered.
What you need to know about government agreements
The agreements of the government of the new federal coalition have become a reality.
The CGSLB analyzed the various measures.
What should we know about these agreements?
For the sake of clarity, we have developed a clear fact sheet by topic.
We are following the situation closely and will inform you as soon as we have more details.
Boost meal vouchers!
Your support for an increase in meal vouchers was not in vain! ACLVB/CGSLB was the first – and only – union to put this increase on the agenda. Thanks to more than 30,000 signatures on www.boosterleschequesrepas.be , we convinced political decision-makers to adopt a clear point of view and to integrate our request – your request (!) – into the government agreement.
With a result! The government has decided that meal vouchers can increase by €2 twice during the next legislature. From €8 to €10, and in a later phase, up to €12! An important step in the right direction for the purchasing power of many workers!
To be clear: for us, this increase must result in a real gain in net purchasing power. Not an operation where what is given on one side is taken away on the other, and where workers end up receiving nothing, or even less, because of adjustments in other measures.
CGSLB@ING
In CPPT Zone Center
We were told that bikes and scooters had been stolen in front of Marnix. One of you pointed out to us that insurance had not come into play.
So we wanted to know more.
In response to our questions, we were told:
Final parking for bikes and scooters will be ready in May. In the meantime, our colleagues can use the above ground bicycle parking located at the foot of the M3 building (Throne). New racks and fittings have been added as a result of our remarks. A guard has been hired to tour the building to ensure its safety, but ING cannot be held responsible in case of theft of your 2 wheels.
Our recommendation: Read your private insurance contract carefully to know, for example, the type of lock your insurance validates and be aware of other measures to take potentially.
In National Forum
As part of the 2025 Annual National Action Plan, Forum members agreed to work on a topic submitted by the CGSLB that we had already discussed in our blue flashes of April 2024 and February 2025: “Awareness around menopause”.
All items on the Forum's agenda for this year 2025:
1. WellBe Check-in Tracking
2. Development of management skills
3. Absenteeism approach
4. Work habits
5. Revision of the Vitality Boost program
6. Burnout Prevention
7. Violence/Aggression
8. Accidents at work
9. Women at work
10. Follow-up to the report of the psychosocial inspection
11. Prevention of alcohol and drugs in the workplace
12. Ergonomics of workstations
13. Marnix Renovation
14. Common SIPP
15. Adaptation of workstations for customer reception.
Sector niews : indexing
The salary increase amounts to 1.11% as of March 1, 2025.
The index is determined by the evolution of prices of about 1,000 commonly used goods and services. The adjustment of wages to the index is not governed by law but by sectoral agreements. This is why indexing is not done at the same time in each sector.
For CGSLB, adjusting wages to price increases through automatic indexation is a top priority.
Who are the real stressors? Sonia is answering you.
Sonia Lupien is a Canadian neuroscientist and research scientist. Her research focuses on stress. In her book ‘Stress at work vs. stress from work’, she explains what constitutes fragmented attention and the stress-inducing factors that she calls ‘stressors’, and discusses the history of the onset of stress and the effects of resonance on people witnessing stress. It explains how the human mind works and offers ways to reduce stress. She says that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, but that each of us, with our differences, can find our way and find a certain serenity. Rethinking the world of work, its environment, its management techniques, and returning to concentration for in-depth work, ... you will find in the attached file more details on the essence of its advice.
For those who understand Canadian French, go to meet Sonia Lupien via these podscasts. She popularizes the subject and presents it as it should always be presented by giving keys to be at 100% of your abilities and regain your balance.
Bing Videos minute 35.15 (attention fragmentée, 2 min) puis après la 49ème minute (solution = travail en profondeur, sentiment de progresser, 7 min), le banquier à 1h02.
For others, you will find more information about the in-depth work below:
Bing Videos deep work
Bing Videos travail en profondeur
You are not yet a member of ACLVB/CGSLB and you want to help make a difference? Join today. This was just the beginning. With your support, we will continue to work for concrete improvements in the workplace. Whether for meal vouchers, salary negotiations or decent jobs: together, we will give your future a BOOST!
Thanks again for your support! You can count on us!
You may still have questions and we would like to hear your thoughts.
You can send your comments to: aclvb-cgslb@ing.com
Forward to colleagues as needed.
You are not yet subscribed to our newsletter and want to stay informed? Then subscribe to our newsletter!
Comments