The federal government has decided to follow a proposal from its social partners to postpone the abolition of the SWT, formerly known as early retirement.
Labour Minister David Clarinval (Mouvement Réformateur) announced on Friday that the scheme will now remain in place until 30 June.
The coalition agreement originally stated that Arizona would immediately end the SWT. However, the social partners in the Group of Ten requested a postponement until 30 June to avoid disrupting ongoing collective agreements.
This delay will cost the government €9.5 million, which will be offset elsewhere.
Due to this financial concern, the Prime Minister's Nieuw-Vlaamse Alliantie (N-VA) was initially reluctant to accept the proposal from unions and employers. However, the government decided on Friday to proceed with the social partners’ request.
From 30 June, no new SWT cases will be accepted unless for medical reasons.
The members of the Arizona coalition had previously agreed on the principle but had not resolved the funding issue. The government has now decided to offset the cost elsewhere.
The exact source of the funds is to be determined during budget discussions.
According to Deputy Prime Minister Clarinval, this decision demonstrates that social consultation is still effective in Belgium and that the social partners can reach agreements with the Arizona government.
