2% top-up for wages and benefits as trigger index is exceeded
The Belgian economy ministry has calculated that the latest price index figure will trigger a 2% top-up for public sector wages, pensions and benefits. Almost all workers in the private sector will also see their wages increase, but exactly when depends on the sector in which they are employed.
Belgium is proud of its system of automatic wage indexation that protects citizens from the ravages of inflation. If life becomes more expensive, the wages of almost all workers automatically rise in step. In this way, spending power remains protected for all.
To decide public sector wages and benefits including pensions the government relies on the price index. When prices go up 2% in comparison with the last trigger index, wages and benefits are topped up by the same amount.
2 percent extra
Inflation in April stood at 3.37 percent. As a result, the trigger index has now been exceeded.
Social benefits rise 2 percent one month from now and two months from now public sector wages also rise 2 percent.
Other workers will also see their wages rise as a result of inflation. The timing of wage increases depends on the sector in which people work.
Inflation is stable
Inflation remains at the same level as in recent months. A basket of goods and services that cost an average of 100 euros in April 2023 should set you back around 103.37 euros today.
The government calculates inflation based on the prices of a wide variety of products and services. Some of them increased in price, others decreased.
Prices in hotels, restaurants and cafes went up. Fruit, meat, bread, city trips and electricity became cheaper.
Food inflation fell for the 13th month in a row, reaching 0.25% this month. This long-term decline does not mean that food is getting cheaper, but that prices are rising more slowly.