What is the difference between white-collar and blue-collar status?
Belgium's two historical worker statutes (intellectual vs manual labour). Notice rules were unified in 2014, but differences remain in areas like holiday pay and joint committee.
Belgium historically distinguishes two worker statutes: the arbeider/ouvrier (mainly manual labour) and the bediende/employé (mainly intellectual labour). Your statute is stated in your contract and helps determine your joint committee — and therefore which sectoral minimum wages and premiums apply.
Since the 2014 unified statute the main gaps have closed: notice periods were harmonised and the trial period abolished (except for student and agency work). Practical differences remain — among others in how holiday pay is paid (via a holiday fund for blue-collar workers, via the employer for white-collar workers) and in guaranteed pay during illness. The FOD Employment describes the current state per topic.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I see whether I am blue-collar or white-collar?
In your employment contract and on your payslip; it helps determine your joint committee and how your holiday pay is paid.
Are notice periods still different?
No — since the 2014 unified statute, notice periods are harmonised for blue-collar and white-collar workers.