What is a joint committee?
The per-sector negotiation body (employers + unions) that sets your minimum wage, premiums and working conditions through collective agreements.
A joint committee (paritair comité / commission paritaire) is Belgium's per-sector negotiation body where employer federations and unions hold equal seats — hence 'joint'. Every private-sector employer belongs to one (e.g. JC 200 for many white-collar workers, JC 124 for construction), and the number appears on your payslip or contract.
The committee concludes collective labour agreements (CAOs/CCTs) that bind the whole sector: sectoral minimum wages (often by job category and seniority), end-of-year premiums, meal vouchers, allowances and notice arrangements. Your joint committee thus effectively sets your minimum pay and conditions — the FOD Employment publishes the amounts per (sub)committee.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know which joint committee I fall under?
Check your payslip or employment contract: the committee number must appear on it. If in doubt, ask your employer or union.
Why does my joint committee matter for my pay?
Because sectoral minimum wages, end-of-year premiums and fringe benefits are fixed by collective agreement per committee — two identical jobs in different committees can have different minimums.
Official sources
- Joint committee — FOD Employment
- Collective labour agreement — FOD Employment
- Sectoral minimum wages — FOD Employment