Blue Flash 11/2025
- Geert De Bock
- Nov 24
- 4 min read
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
November 25 is the International Day to End Violence against Women.
Violence against women remains a harsh reality worldwide — even here, and even in the workplace. As a union, we stand for respect and safety. We have a responsibility to address this issue and ensure victims are never left alone.
What can we do as a union within ING?
Violence against women affects us all. We want a safe and respectful workplace where no one feels alone. That’s why:
Listen and support: Victims must know they are not alone. Trusted persons and union representatives are here to help.
Raise awareness: By sharing information and opening conversations, we make the topic discussable.
Stand together: We work with HR and management to keep clear procedures and support channels accessible.
Everyone deserves a safe workplace. Together, we can make a difference.
Pension penalty postponed until at least 2026
The pension penalty, a reduction in pensions for early retirement without sufficient career advancement, will not take effect until 2026 at the earliest. Due to delays in the budget negotiations, January 1, 2026, is no longer feasible. Most pension measures will not take effect until 2027.
Who does not receive a pension penalty?
Anyone who can demonstrate a career of at least 35 years with 156 days actually worked each year, and a total of 7,020 days worked .
Those who have been ill for a long period of time : these periods are fully treated equally .
Anyone who took care leave, maternity leave, parental leave or military service : these count as days worked.
Anyone who can retire in 2025 but postpones it until 2026 will not be subject to the malus .
Important: You don't need to take any action. The penalty depends on your earliest retirement date and the official effective date. Check your retirement date at https://www.mypension.be.
Unions announce 'November Appeal': three-day strike on November 24, 25 and 26
After the large demonstration on October 14 and the lack of a response from the government, the unions are planning a new action: the 'November Appeal' , a three-day strike in the public and private sectors.
Program:
November 23: Participation in the national Mirabal demonstration against gender-based violence.
November 24: rail strike.
November 25: Strike in all public services.
November 26: national interprofessional strike.
The unions are demanding a halt to social decline and are asking for fair alternatives: fair wealth taxation, a digital tax for tech giants, and transparency regarding subsidies and social contributions on all wages.
That is why ACLVB is participating in the November Appeal.
On Wednesday, November 26, we will participate in the interprofessional national strike.
A strong signal, supported by all unions.
Not against anyone.
But for a fair index.
For workable careers.
For solidarity and fair taxation.
For a government that listens, not ignores.
We're counting on you.
Just as you can count on us.
Did you know?
Leaving ING? That can seem quite complicated...
Whether you leave voluntarily or not, it can sometimes feel like an obstacle course. Fortunately, you don't have to go through it alone: ING offers extensive documentation, and your union is ready to help you with any questions.
Where can you find useful information?
Overview of all practical steps per type of departure.
Do you have questions or doubts about your situation? Feel free to contact us; we're here for you.
Sector news
Good news! Wages in your sector will be indexed this month. The wage increase will be 0.26% , effective November 1, 2025.
The index is determined by the price movements of approximately 1,000 commonly used products and services. Adjusting wages to the index is not regulated by law, but rather through sectoral agreements. Therefore, indexation is not implemented simultaneously in every sector.
For ACLVB-CGSLB, adjusting wages to price increases through automatic indexation is an absolute priority.
Working together for a better working environment
Every day, we strive to make your voice heard. We take a stand and engage in dialogue at all levels to facilitate change and improvements. Our goal? The best working environment and conditions for you.
Trust us: it's not always easy. Sometimes it feels like we're fighting windmills.
The world around us is changing rapidly. Digitalization and AI are rewriting all the rules. Year after year, the way we work is evolving. People are increasingly assessed according to strict frameworks and dashboards, as if numbers are more important than effort and quality.
Today, everything revolves around targets and end results. Management often focuses only on the numbers, not on the effort behind them. This leads to frustration and demotivation. Those who feel unappreciated sometimes seek their fortune elsewhere.
What worries us most? That many of you say you're afraid to share what you really think, for fear of reprisals. We hear statements like:
“There's no point in giving feedback, they'll do whatever they want anyway.”
“Last time it turned against us, so now we're not saying anything anymore.”
“You mustn't show your weaknesses, otherwise you'll be next.”
This lack of trust is heartbreaking. Yet, we also see some bright spots: the happiest teams are those where colleagues help each other, where respect and trust prevail, and where managers give space. These teams perform best. Because when the atmosphere is good, good work will follow naturally.
We continue to fight for a fair sector, where your efforts matter and your voice is heard. Together, we make a difference.
Medexel
From 1 January 2026, Ethias will take over the management of our health insurance.
Good to know: this transition has no impact on your current coverage .
From that date onwards, you'll find all relevant information on this page . Want to know more now? Also check out the questions and answers about the transition.
Your delegates:
