Sector agreements 2025-2026: update.

Is there already a pay agreement for 2025-2026 in your field? In this article, we keep you updated on the latest developments by sector. We update it regularly to ensure you always have access to current information.

This AI-generated translation may contain errors and should not be considerd legal advice. For accurate info, refer to the Dutch or French version or consult your Securex Legal Advisor.

From wage norm to negotiations

In September 2025, the government set the wage norm at 0% through a royal decree. This allowed the social partners within the joint committees to begin negotiations on sector agreements. Meanwhile, some sectors are gradually nearing the final phase of these discussions.

Additionally, the Council of Ministers agreed that the nominal value of meal vouchers will increase by 2 euros starting January 1, 2026. This means employees will receive more net pay, while the tax deduction for employers will double from 2 to 4 euros per voucher. However, we still need to wait for the final texts of the law.

From negotiation to collective labour agreement

Negotiations typically begin as soon as the trade unions submit their demands. Based on these demands, the social partners work towards an agreement, which is then detailed in collective labour agreements – known as implementation collective labour agreements. A common trend in the agreements that have already been concluded is the increase in meal vouchers and the extension of flexible jobs to all sectors.

Our tip: First, wait for the agreement in your sector before increasing the meal vouchers for your employees. If your sector does not provide for an increase or allocation of meal vouchers, you can choose to grant meal vouchers to your employees or increase the contribution yourself.

Budget agreement

The decisions made by the government in the budget agreement can affect the negotiations or the already concluded agreements and collective labour agreements. This includes measures related to the index, night work, and flexible jobs. All these measures still need to be further clarified through legal texts. We will provide updates as soon as there is more clarity.

Read more: "What are the main lines of the budget agreement?"

Has an agreement already been reached in your sector?

We are monitoring the sector negotiations for you. As soon as an agreement is reached in your sector, you will find the full analysis on Lex4You. Go to your joint committee on Lex4You, click on Employment agreements> Employment agreements 2025-2026.

Here is a brief overview:

Joint Committees 100-152

Joint Committee	Collective Labour Agreement and Securex analysis
JC 118 Food Industry (manual workers)	There is an agreement. Analysis to follow
JC 127 Trade in Fuels	There is an agreement. Analysis to follow
JC 136 Paper and Cardboard Processing (manual workers)	There is an agreement. Analysis to follow
JC 140.05 Moving Sector	There is an agreement. Analysis to follow

Joint Committees 200-227

JC 220 Food Industry (employees)	There is an agreement. Analysis to follow
JC 222 Paper and Cardboard Processing (employees)	There is an agreement. Analysis to follow