2023-11-22 17:05:00
The drawing of the list numbers this Wednesday signaled the symbolic start of the campaign for the social elections which will be held next May. Here are the main issues.
“2024 will be an important year both politically and socially.” The symbolic kick-off of the campaign for the social elections was given this Wednesday by the Minister of the Economy and Labor Pierre-Yves Dermagne, who hosted the drawing of the list numbers in his office.
For the third time in a row, the liberal union (CGSLB) will be flanked by number 1. The CSC inherits No. 2 and the FGTB No. 3. The executives union (CNC) automatically receives number 4.
Social elections take place every four years. This year, they will take place from May 16 to 23just a few days before the legislative, regional and European elections.
Not less than 2 million workers are called to participate to elect their representatives in more than 7,000 companies. More precisely: 7,200 CPPT (committees for prevention and protection at work) will be elected in companies with at least 50 workers, while 4,000 business tips (CE) will be in those with at least 100 workers.
“Democracy does not stop at the company’s gates.”
This is a very codified electoral process which lasts 150 days and will officially begin on December 15. To preface these social elections, we suggest that you focus on several of their issues.
The strength of unions
“Before being competitors, we are allies to negotiate progress for workers,” recalled Marie-Hélène Ska (CSC) following the draw. But during the campaign for the social elections, reds, greens and blues will obviously first be competitors since their objective will be, it goes without saying, to rally as many votes as possible by highlighting their specificities on themes as varied as purchasing power, work-life balance and even artificial intelligence.
In this game, it is the CSC which comes first, ahead of the FGTB and the CGSLB. Across the country, the Christian union obtained a little more than 50% of the votes in the last election of 2020, the socialist union 35% and the liberal 13%. For the latter, the gap certainly remains significant compared to the big two, but the trend is rather favorable to it over the course of the elections.
More generally, the unions are also putting their weight in the socio-economic landscape at stake during these elections. “Social democracy radiates through society as a whole”estimates Olivier Valentin (CGSLB).
In a world where intermediate bodies tend to fade away, strong participation strengthens them, while declining participation weakens them. “It’s an opportunity to reconnect with union enthusiasm,” notes Selena Carbonero Fernandez (FGTB). Because, believes Marie-Hélène Ska, “democracy does not stop at the doors of the company”.
Employers themselves are satisfied with the Belgian system of participation at company level, says the CSC: “80% of Belgian managers believe that local worker representatives are reliable and constructive.” Furthermore, the work is improved, argues the union. “A study on the effects of social consultation in Belgian companies shows that this consultation, which results in CCTs, makes it possible to improve both wages and productivity.”
Young people and women
Voting in social elections is not compulsory. Despite this, the participation rate oscillates between 60 and 70%. Since 2020 and the pandemic, it has been possible to vote electronically, which is an aid to maintaining correct participation in companies where teleworking has become essential.
Still, the general trend is downward. And in particular at young people. The latter vote far less than their elders. They were less than one in four to participate in the 2020 social electionscompared to one in three in 2016. However, points out Selena Carbonero, “an increase in their participation is crucial, in particular because it is with them that we will be able to meet the climate challenge.”
The other underrepresented category is women. Until now, no union can boast of having achieved gender balance in company consultation bodies.
Something new for temporary workers
Since 2020, temporary workers can take part in social elections. And during the 2024 election, this participation in voting is further facilitated by new rules. Concretely, those who will have 32 days of effective work in the same company between November 1, 2023 and January 31, 2024 will be entitled to it. A “huge step forward” welcomed by the unions.
The summary
- The drawing of the list numbers marks the symbolic start of the campaign for the social elections next May.
- Two million workers and 7,200 companies are affected.
- These elections, organized every four years, constitute a key moment for unions, which can measure the appeal they have on the ground. However, the trend has been downward in recent years, particularly among young people.
- Temporary workers will be able to vote more easily.
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