What should I do if I am caught out during an inspection?
Tell the truth You will not be punished because you were working clandestinely. Only your employer can be punished for that. You can only win if you tell the inspector the truth. Whatever you tell them, this will have no effect on your residence rights. Bear in mind that an inspector primarily wants employee rights […]
Can I join a trade union?
What are trade unions? In Belgium, trade unions are essentially associations that represent employees’ general interests and base themselves on the fundamental values of equality and social justice. That means that they form no part of the government. They operate entirely independently thanks to member contributions, which act as the binding agent of solidarity. Trade […]
What if I am the victim of violence or abuse?
General rules If you are a victim of abuse, at your work or outside it, you have the right to protection and possible compensation. What can you do if you’re the victim of abuse?
What is human trafficking?
If an employer seriously abuses an employee (clandestinely), this may be a case of human trafficking. If you cooperate with an investigation in such a case, the law provides for protection for you. Human trafficking can occur when your identity papers are taken away by your employer, you are locked up or your employer physically […]
What is the risk for my employer if I have no documents?
An employer may be heavily penalised if they have people working off the books or clandestinely. There may be a hefty fine or a prison sentence. Punishments are the most severe for work carried out off the books. Your employer’s punishment may be even more severe if they are failing to comply with other laws. […]
What steps can I take to enforce my rights?
Carry out a negotiation yourself Some employers are open to discussion. Colleagues are often able to help with this. If your employer mistreats you or doesn’t pay you however, you should leave. Employers who claim they will pay you later, rarely do. Ask for help It can sometimes help if a documented person goes with […]
Employees and employers: what’s the difference?
Employee An employee is someone who works for a employer (boss). An employer says when and where you have to work, pays you wages, provides you with materials to work with and checks your work. Another word for boss is employer. Who is your employer? Officially, your employer is the person who decides:
What is working officially?
Every employer is obliged to inform the government of who works for them and how much they pay in wages. The people who work for an employer automatically pay taxes and social security contributions from their wages (see an explanation of gross and net wages). In addition, an employer must personally pay an extra sum […]
What is working off the books?
Working off the books is when an employer doesn’t register you with the government. Your employer risks a hefty fine for this. An employee will not be entitled to pension or health insurance, for example. If you have no legal residence, and there is an inspection in the workplace, you run the risk of ending […]
What is clandestine work?
Working clandestinely is working in Belgium as a non-Belgian without the permission to work in Belgium. If you are neither a Belgian nor a citizen of a member state of the European Union, you must obtain permission to work from the government. Some foreigners do not need such permission. All the others – and especially […]