Social Law

Social law (i.e. law related to employment relationships and social security law) is an indispensable part of the daily functioning of companies and the individuals working for them, both employees and self-employed persons. The rapidly changing and complex Belgian social law regulations confront businesses with unprecedented challenges and risks in a legal environment where change is the only constant. A specialist is therefore of the utmost importance for anyone dealing with employment relationships.

Our team of specialists provides proactive guidance in identifying and managing potential risks. We develop strategies for implementing best practices and support the (re)organization of your workforce. Furthermore, we assist in resolving all employment-related issues.

Employees and self-employed persons can turn to us for advice and assistance concerning their agreement relating to their employment relationship (and annexes), the termination of employment/collaboration, remuneration, violence, moral or sexual harassment in the workplace, discrimination, etc.

In the event of a dispute, we can intervene in an advisory or negotiating capacity or defend your interests before the court. We can also assist you in the context of mediations, whether as a lawyer when you are our client, or as a certified mediator when you need a neutral, independent and impartial third party to mediate in a conflict situation.

Our practice covers, among others:

• advising on, drafting and concluding individual employment contracts (including various clauses in the employment contract)
• salary conditions, salary optimisation, and remuneration packages for managers and directors
• working conditions (including working hours, annual leave, parental leave, time credit, teleworking, non-competition, confidentiality, etc.)
• drafting workplace regulations, policies, and codes of conduct
• workplace well-being, including psychosocial risks (stress, burnout, violence, moral or sexual harassment)
• workplace accidents and occupational diseases
• independent contractor agreements, including commercial cooperation agreements and service agreements (with attention to false self-employment and reclassification of the employment relationship)
• concluding collective labour agreements, working with consultative bodies, and social elections
• GDPR and privacy in employment relationships
• termination of employment and self-employed collaboration
• reorganisations and restructurings (such as collective redundancies or closure), as well as social conflicts
• assessment and assistance with the application of CBA no. 32bis (CAO 32bis)
• whistleblowing and compliance
• handling disputes regarding (unfair) competition by (former) employees and discrimination cases
• guidance and advice with regard to social inspections and investigations
• cross-border employment (expats and secondments)
• social criminal law
• social security benefits (disability benefits, unemployment benefits, pensions) and social security contributions
• representation as a lawyer in judicial proceedings before the labour courts and within the framework of alternative dispute resolution
• acting as a certified mediator

Questions about your own situation?

If you have any questions about employment law or social security law, do not hesitate to contact us so that we can assist you with advice and in practice.