In 2010, FAIRWORK Belgium set up the empowerment project FAIRWORK Belgium for Domestic Workers exclusively for domestic workers with or without legal residence and young au pairs. They meet up every Sunday for information sessions on employment rights, socio-cultural activities, language lessons and training for their emancipation, to relieve isolation and strengthen their skills.
Sunday activities have been accessible to domestic staff since 2010 and since 2018, we also provide a specific programme for young au pairs.
Culturele activiteiten for au pairs only
Once a month, since 2018, we have organised a socio-cultural activity for au pairs in Belgium only, such as visits to museums, exhibitions, trips to various Belgian cities, workshops etc. It’s our way of contributing to the cultural goal of your placement. In addition, we want to put you in touch with other young au pairs so that you can make new friends.
After every visit, we go for a drink with the whole group and while we’re enjoying an aperitief, we inform you about your employment rights and the statutory conditions your host family must comply with. Naturally, you can also always ask us any questions you might have and share your own experiences with us.
Given that we welcome au pairs with more than 20 different nationalities, the activities are organised in English. However, all information can be given in Dutch, French and Spanish. All the activities are completely free of charge for au pairs. FAIRWORK Belgium provides entrance tickets and covers the cost of the workshops/guides and the aperitief. All you pay for is your travel.
Helpdesk
Through our helpdesk for domestic workers and au pairs, we offer individual assistance and information relating to your employment rights and the way in which you can enforce those rights. We put you in touch with the labour inspectorate and we can help you file a complaint against your employer and with the remainder of the process.
You can get in touch with us in Dutch, French, English and Spanish. If your language is not one of those listed, please ask a friend or acquaintance to phone for you.
Would you like more information?
Omar García is a staff member who has been specialising in domestic staff since 2012. He follows up on all questions related to domestic work and provides empowerment training for domestic staff.
FAIRWORK Belgium for Au Pairs is a safe and pleasant space where you can meet new friends and exchange experiences.