The harmonisation of supplementary pension plans is taking place through interaction between sectors and companies. Sectors have until 31 December 2026 to eliminate any differences in supplementary pensions between manual and white-collar workers. Only after that can a company finally bring its own plans into line with what has been decided at the sectoral level.
However, this does not mean that employers can or should wait. On the contrary, registration in a harmonisation process is a legal requirement to avoid differences in treatment between 2015 and 2030 being considered discriminatory. If you do not initiate a process, you will be exposed to potential claims from current or former employees.
Although clarity at sector level is not expected until 2027, there are several reasons for employers to get started today:
- It takes quite a long time to adjust or start up a pension plan.
- Supplementary pensions fall under pay cap legislation, meaning that any rises in wage costs are best spread over several years.
- The upcoming rules on wage transparency will make the difference between manual and white-collar workers more visible to employees, which will increase sensitivity around this issue.
- A timely analysis will ensure that HR and Finance are better prepared for the impact in terms of resources, time and budget.
Vanbreda advises and guides companies in the strategic harmonisation of supplementary pension plans. We can help you to:
- map out the existing pension schemes for manual and white-collar workers;
- identify potential problems and risks;
- develop a realistic and legally sound harmonisation process;
- act promptly once the sectoral decisions are known.
As a broker and consultant, we are not directly informed by the sectors, so it is important for you to involve us in good time once your sector has provided more clarity.
Do you want to find out where your company stands today and what steps are advisable with 2030 in mind? Contact your Employee Benefits Account Manager at Vanbreda Risk & Benefits or mail us at ebservices@vanbreda.be. We can help you to make timely and effective preparations for the harmonisation of your supplementary pension plans.
