A Belgian police union is sounding the alarm as around 1,100 police officers have asked to go on early pension after discovering leaked information detailing the incoming Federal Government's plans.
Negotiations are still ongoing to form a Federal Government coalition led by formator Bart De Wever (N-VA). However, some details – on which final agreements have not yet been made – have been leaked to the press. Many of the discussed measures, such as capping unemployed benefits and halting investment in certain development projects, are aimed at reining in Belgium's ballooning deficit. Mention of such reforms has raised concerns and garnered criticism.
The Sypol union, which defends police officers, prison officers and those working for State Security, is particularly disquieted on plans to refine the retirement of civil servants, including police officers.
If the measures are adopted, police officers will see their retirement age pushed back from the current 60 or 62, to 67 by 2030, which the union argues puts their safety at risk. The total amount of their pension is also expected to be calculated based on the last 25 years of their career rather than the last five, which is the case at present. "Police officers will lose money because it's at the end of their career that they earn the most."
As a result, around 1,100 police officers who are nearing retirement age want to leave the profession urgently, Sudinfo reported. "Their original intention was to continue their career," the union said.
'Step too far'
The officers in question intend to claim their pension between now and 1 January 2025. This would mean losing valuable experience at a time when the police are having difficulty recruiting and many young people are dropping out.
The reason for this mass request for early retirement is based on fears of what the future Federal Government will decide. "Bart De Wever's 'supernote' makes them fear the worst for the future, so they would prefer to claim their pension now."
Other police unions have also called out the reform plans. While these plans are not definitive, the fact that the negotiating parties are even considering them is already a "step too far", the SLFP Police and SNPS said.
