Best Wage & Hour Lawyers in Belgium

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Belisius Advocaten
Brussels, Belgium

Founded in 2013
13 people in their team
English
Belisius Advocaten is a Bilzen-based Belgian law firm specializing in corporate and commercial law, real estate, liability and insurance, employment law, and related regulatory matters. Through its team of partners and associates, the firm provides strategic advice on corporate governance,...
Sint-Truiden, Belgium

English
Advocaat Geert Lambeets is a distinguished law firm based in Belgium, renowned for its comprehensive legal services and commitment to excellence. The firm offers a wide range of legal expertise, ensuring clients receive tailored solutions to their specific needs. With a deep understanding of...

Founded in 1949
8 people in their team
English
BBR Avocats is a Liège-based law firm with a heritage dating back to 1949, when founder Georges BAUDINET established the practice. The firm serves corporate clients and individuals with a broad suite of services spanning commercial, civil, and regulatory matters, supported by a culture of precise,...
Lommel, Belgium

Founded in 1970
English
Advocatenkantoor MIVECO, established in 1970, has been providing high-quality legal services to individuals and businesses in Limburg for over five decades. The firm specializes in various legal domains, with a particular focus on debt mediation and social law, including labor law and social...
Shegel
Neufchateau, Belgium

English
Shegel is an independent Belgian legal and management advisory firm with offices in both the Walloon and Flemish regions, strategically positioned near major cities such as Namur, Liège, Ghent, Antwerp, and Brussels. Founded in 2008 by Mrs. Stéphanie Heyman, a Master in Law from KU Leuven...
Marche-en-Famenne, Belgium

English
Lenelle & Fabry, located in Marche-en-Famenne, Belgium, offers comprehensive legal services with a focus on family law, traffic law, real estate law, and social law. The firm provides expert guidance on matters such as separations, child custody arrangements, traffic violations, landlord-tenant...
Mint advocaten
Zottegem, Belgium

Founded in 2024
1 person in their team
English
Mint advocaten is a Belgian law firm based in Zottegem that advises businesses and private clients on employment law, corporate matters and data protection. The team combines sector specific knowledge with a focus on South East Flanders and serves local entrepreneurs, managers and professionals...
Liège, Belgium

7 people in their team
English
Wenric sprl is a Liège based law firm staffed by an experienced team of attorneys led by Maître Jean-Luc Wenric, who has practiced at the Liège Bar without interruption since 1979 and serves as a manager and external representative of the firm.The firm emphasizes a client focused service...
Brussels, Belgium

Founded in 2019
5 people in their team
English
Advocaten Geukens is a well established law office in Tongeren, Belgium, guided by three generations of legal expertise. The firm provides comprehensive civil and commercial representation across family, employment, criminal, corporate and other practice areas, drawing on a long track record of...

Founded in 2015
English
Koonen-Lentz Anwaltskanzlei, located in Eupen, Belgium, offers comprehensive legal services across various practice areas, including civil law, criminal law, traffic law, insurance law, and debt collection. The firm is proficient in handling cases involving personal injury, property damage,...
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About Wage & Hour Law in Belgium

Wage & Hour law in Belgium governs the relationships between employers and employees, particularly concerning wages, working hours, overtime, breaks, and related regulations. Belgium is known for having a complex and detailed system of employment laws that aim to protect employees' rights and ensure fair labor practices. These laws are influenced by Belgian federal decrees, collective agreements (CBA), and European Union legislation.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

There are various situations where an individual may require legal assistance regarding Wage & Hour issues in Belgium. Some common scenarios include:

  • Disputes over unpaid wages or overtime compensation.
  • Confusion about employment contracts and whether they align with Belgian labor laws.
  • Questions regarding legal working hours, breaks, and rest periods.
  • Misclassification of employment status leading to unfair wage practices.
  • Concerns about wage deductions, withholding, or incorrect taxation.
  • Exploring rights after being asked to perform overtime work without adequate compensation.
  • Seeking clarity on dual employment regulations.

Local Laws Overview

Belgian Wage & Hour laws are detailed and provide a framework for fair labor practices. Key aspects include:

  • Working Hours: Standard work time is 38 hours per week. Each employment contract or sectoral agreement may specify different but regulated hours.
  • Minimum Wage: Belgium has a national minimum wage, which varies according to age, experience, and sector agreements.
  • Overtime Compensation: Overtime work is limited and must usually attract premium pay or compensatory rest.
  • Breaks and Rest Periods: Employees are entitled to specified break times based on the length of their work shift, and mandatory rest periods between shifts.
  • Leave Entitlements: Part of the laws include annual leave, public holidays, and other types of permissible leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard workweek in Belgium?

The standard workweek in Belgium is typically 38 hours. Variations may apply based on individual or sector-specific agreements.

Is it mandatory for employers to pay overtime?

Yes, overtime should be compensated with additional pay or compensatory leave, unless otherwise stated by a collective agreement.

How is the minimum wage determined?

The minimum wage is determined nationally but varies based on age, experience, and sector-related agreements.

Do Belgian laws provide for rest breaks during work hours?

Yes, employees are entitled to rest breaks which are specified depending on the length of their shift.

What are the rules regarding night work?

Night work is subject to strict regulations and usually requires special permission, though some sectors may be exempt under collective agreements.

How are wage deductions handled legally?

Wage deductions must be legal and are usually limited to specific instances such as social contributions or legal garnishments.

What should an employee do if they encounter wage theft?

An employee should seek advice from legal professionals, unions, or relevant governmental bodies to address wage theft.

Are employees entitled to paid leave?

Yes, employees are entitled to paid annual leave, sick leave, and may be granted additional types of leave based on specific situations.

How can an employee verify if their contract is compliant with the law?

It is advisable to have a lawyer or labor expert review the contract to ensure compliance with Belgian labor regulations.

Can part-time employees claim the same rights as full-time employees?

Yes, part-time employees should have rights proportional to full-time employees, as per their working hours and contract agreements.

Additional Resources

For more information on Wage & Hour laws, consider reaching out to:

  • The Federal Public Service Employment, Labour and Social Dialogue for official guidelines and advice.
  • Local labor unions, which can offer support and information on employee rights.
  • Non-profit organizations specializing in labor rights advocacy and offering free or subsidized legal assistance.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance with Wage & Hour issues, consider the following steps:

  1. Gather all relevant documents related to your employment and any issues you're experiencing.
  2. Contact a specialized labor lawyer who is familiar with Belgian Wage & Hour laws. Your local bar association can provide a list of qualified practitioners.
  3. Consult your union or an HR professional within your company for any internal resolution processes.
  4. Seek advice from governmental bodies or non-profit organizations that specialize in employment issues to understand your rights and options.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Belgium through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Wage & Hour, experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.