Belgium
Governed by the Labour Act of 16 March 1971. 38 h/week, max 9 h/day. Average 38-40 h depending on CBA. OT pro rata + recovery. Time tracking required by CBA. Structural remote (CBA 85) or occasional (2017 Act).
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Statutory working time
38 h/wk reference · 9 h/day max · 45 h/wk absolute
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statutory | 38 h/wk | Art. 19 | Reference |
| Daily | 9 h | Art. 19 | Statutory |
| Weekly max | 45 h | Art. 19 | Unless derogated |
| Quarterly avg | 38 h avg/3 mo | Art. 26bis | Flexibility |
Overtime
OT = beyond 9h/day or 38h/wk · premium 50-100 %
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard OT | +50 % weekday | Art. 29 | Beyond threshold |
| Sunday/holiday OT | +100 % | Art. 29 | Doubled |
| Recovery | Mandatory by default | Art. 26 | Comp rest |
| Voluntary annual cap | 120 h | Peeters Act 2017 | Without comp rest |
Rest & breaks
11 h daily · 35 h weekly · 15-min break every 6 h
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily rest | 11 consecutive h | Art. 38ter | Between days |
| Weekly rest | 35 consecutive h | Art. 11 | Full Sunday |
| Break | 15 min /6 h | Art. 38quater | CBA may extend |
| Minors | 12 h rest | 1971 Act | Protection |
Night / Sunday / holiday work
Night 8pm-6am framed · 10 national holidays · Sunday work needs derogation
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Night | 8pm-6am | Art. 36 | CBA premium |
| Regular night | ≥3 h night regularly | Art. 36bis | Medical exam |
| Sunday | Prohibited by default | Art. 11-13 | Derogations |
| Holidays | 10 d/year | Act 04/01/1974 | Statutory list |
| Compensation | If worked Sun/holiday | Act | Comp rest |
Time recording
No centralized clock-in unless CBA · recording obligation (CBA 85bis remote)
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time recording | Per CBA/sector | CBA | Joint committee |
| Retention | 5 years | Act 23/03/1978 | Social documents |
| Remote work | Mandatory to record | CBA 85bis | Includes remote hours |
| Inspection | Social Law inspection | ONSS | Penal Code sanctions |
Remote & flex work
Structural remote CBA 85 or occasional Act 2017 · ONSS lump sum €154.74
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structural remote | CBA 85 (regular) | CBA 85 | Individual written agreement |
| Occasional remote | Act 05/03/2017 | 2017 Act | No written obligation |
| ONSS expenses | €154.74/month flat | ONSS | Untaxed |
| Right to disconnect | 2022 Act 20+ employees | Act 03/10/2022 | Written policy |
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