Joint committee
The per-sector negotiation body (employers + unions) that sets your minimum wage, premiums and working conditions through collective agreements.
What is a joint committee?
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.
Joint committee
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
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
Related concepts
Updated