In January 2025, the salaries of more than 500,000 Belgian workers will benefit from an indexation of 3.5%. Pensioners, on the other hand, will not get this increase.
The pension indexation systemdistinct from that of salaries, operates according to specific rules which do not always reflect the economic needs of retirees. This situation is causing growing frustration among pensioners, who feel abandoned in a context of persistent inflation.
Advantageous indexation for workers
The salary indexation planned for January 2025 is based on the smoothed health index mechanism. This index is calculated from the average of consumer prices over the last four months, adjusted by a coefficient of 0.98. It is a dynamic system which allows rapid and regular adaptation of employees' income to changes in living costs. In January, more than 500,000 workers will see their salaries increase by 3.5%, notably those affiliated to joint committees such as the CP200, which brings together many professional sectors.
This increase aims to compensate for inflation, which has considerably affected the purchasing power of households in 2024. Indeed, the prices of energy and everyday consumer goods have continued to rise, forcing the authorities to regularly review the wages to maintain a balance. However, this advantageous mechanism for workers does not apply to pensions, creating a gap between workers and retirees.
Pensions out of step with inflation
Unlike salaries, Belgian pensions are indexed to another indicator: the pivotal index of social benefits. This system operates according to a threshold which, once exceeded, triggers a review of pensions. However, the pace of adjustment is often slower and less frequent than that of wages, which leaves retirees out of step with inflation. Many pensioners denounce a system that they consider obsolete and poorly adapted to current economic realities.
This disparity fuels calls for reform of the pension indexation mechanism. Unions and associations defending the rights of retirees believe that the current system penalizes a vulnerable population, already faced with fixed incomes and increasing costs. According to them, a partial alignment of indexation rules could offer a fairer response to economic challenges.
The Belgian authorities are aware of the limits of the current indexation system. However, deep reform requires significant budgetary adjustments, and political debates on this subject remain complex. In the meantime, pensioners will have to wait until the pivotal index is exceeded to see their income adjusted.
Related News :