Economic, social and fiscal studies
The CGSLB has a study department composed of jurists and economists whose task it is to analyse problems associated with workers’ rights, taxation, social security and economic policy.
Legal assistance
The CGSLB fights for equity and justice. Members confronted with a dispute can count on high-level legal assistance. The legal department deals with all problems associated with social security and all disputes arising from working relations. If an amicable settlement proves impossible, we defend our members before the courts and labour tribunals. This legal assistance is free of charge for members.
Note that the Belgian labour tribunals are comprised of a professional magistrate assisted by two social judges, one from the employers’ side and the other from trade union circles. Many social judges are appointed at the proposal of the Liberal Trade Union.
3. Unemployment benefit fund
The CGSLB is a recognised unemployment benefit fund. However, our Unemployment Service goes further than this because it sets up dossiers and monitors regulations and jurisprudence concerning unemployment, early retirement, employment and vocational training.
D. The CGSLB in the world
1. Belgium
Belgium gained independence in 1830. Over the years the country evolved towards a federal structure. The first article of the Belgian Constitution declares that “Belgium is a federal state comprised of communities and regions”.
The concept of a “Community” refers to the persons that comprise it and the links that unite them, namely their language and culture. Our country has three official languages: Dutch, French and German. Belgium is therefore composed of three Communities: the Flemish Community, the French Community and the German Community.
Belgium is known for its major commitment at international and European level. Brussels, the country’s capital, is also the home to many institutions. Belgium is reputed for the dynamism of its social dialogue.
It has a particularly high level of trade union membership.
In Belgium there are three workers’ organisations, namely the CSC, the FGTB and the CGSLB.
2. The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC)
The CGSLB is a member of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), which was created in 1973 as a counterweight to the economic forces of European integration. Following the changes that occurred in Central and Eastern Europe, many new trade unions have joined its ranks.
At the present time, the ETUC has 76 member organisations from 34 European countries, as well as 11 European industry federations, representing more than 60 million members. Other trade union organisations, such as Eurocadres (Council of European Professional and Managerial Staff) and the FERPA (European Federation of Retired and Elderly persons) operate under the aegis of the ETUC. In addition, the ETUC coordinates the activities of the 39 ITUC’s (Interregional Trade Union Councils), which organise cross-border trade union cooperation.
The ETUC is recognised by the European Union, by the Council of Europe and by the EFTA as the unique cross-sectoral representative trade union organisation at European level.
3. The International Trade Union Confederation
The Belgian Liberal Trade Union organisation is also a member of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), created in 206, which has 304 affiliated organisations in 154 countries and territories on five continents, with 168 million members.
The International Trade Union Confederation maintains close links with the European Trade Union Confederation, the ETUC and the major international industry federations that bring together the national trade unions of a sector or a specific industry at international level.
4. Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD): Trade Union Advisory Committee (TUAC)
The Liberal Trade Union takes part in the work of the Trade Union Advisory Committee (TUAC), which provides a link between the trade unions and the OECD. This consultative body was created when the Marshall Plan was set up. The role of the TUAC has adapted to changes in the operation of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Today, the TUAC ensures that the globalised economy retains a human dimension. In practical terms this involves regular consultation with the secretariat, the various commissions and the governments of OECD member countries. The TUAC coordinates and defends the vision of the trade unions in the industrialised countries.
The TUAC brings together 55 national trade unions that represent 70 million workers in 29 OECD countries.
5. The International Labour Organization (ILO)
The CGSLB forms part of the Belgian delegation for International Labour Organization (ILO) conferences.
The ILO, created in 1919, brings together governments, employers and workers from 174 member countries in a concerted effort to advance social protection and improve working and living conditions throughout the world. The International
Labour Organization (ILO) office in Geneva is the permanent secretariat of the Organization.
More information can be found on the Dutch or French part of this site.
