Further details have merged about the new Belgian collective bargaining agreement (no.103). This makes several additional restrictions on access to ‘time credit’ by raising service and age thresholds.
The new provisions distinguish between ‘motivated’ and ‘non-motivated’ time credit. ‘Non-motivated’ time credit will be limited to a maximum of 12 months for those taking a complete break from work, 24 months for a 50% suspension, and 60 months for 20% suspension. It will only be granted to employees with 24 months’ service with their current employer and 5 years’ service in total with any employer. ‘Motivated’ time credit is limited to 36 months and can be taken for caring for or educating a child. If the child has a disability or is seriously ill, it may be extended to 48 months.
Older employees will only be entitled to an unlimited time credit regime once they have reached 55 years of age and provided they have worked for a total of 25 years.
The new regime is expected to come into force on September 1st 2012.