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🇧🇪 Belgium /Culture & Society

After strikes against new premium system, IVAGO staff in Ghent less frequently absent

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Staff absenteeism at IVAGO in Ghent has decreased significantly this year compared to last year, following earlier strikes over a new premium system.
  • The new system, which ties premiums to higher attendance rates (90%+ from 2026), replaced an older one where staff received bonuses with much lower attendance.
  • City official Sofie Bracke notes improved service delivery and fewer complaints, stating that initial resistance to the new system has given way to understanding among staff.

The waste management company IVAGO in Ghent is reporting a notable decrease in staff absenteeism this year, a positive development that follows a period of significant labor unrest earlier in the year. Strikes, which disrupted waste collection and closed recycling centers, were a direct response to a proposed new premium system designed to incentivize higher employee attendance. This shift from an old system, where bonuses were awarded even with relatively low presence, to a new one demanding 90% or more attendance from 2026, understandably caused friction.

Perhaps everyone now realizes that the old system was really no longer justifiable.

· Sofie BrackeCommenting on the shift in employee perspective regarding the attendance premium system.

However, the latest figures suggest a turning tide. City official Sofie Bracke, who oversees public cleanliness, highlights that the average absenteeism rate has dropped from 12% during the same period last year to 8.5% this year. This improvement is particularly evident in February, where the rate fell from 14% to 9%. Bracke attributes this change not only to the new system but also to a dawning realization among staff that the previous arrangement was unsustainable and perhaps overly generous, becoming what she terms a 'vested right.'

The unions too often resort to the weapon of strike and hold the people of Ghent hostage.

· Sofie BrackeHer earlier statement in January regarding the union's use of strikes.

While the initial reaction to the stricter attendance requirements was met with strong opposition from unions and employees, Bracke observes that there is now growing understanding. She acknowledges that change can bring uncertainty, but emphasizes that the previous system, where premiums were almost 'given for nothing,' was no longer justifiable. The improved attendance, she asserts, directly benefits the quality of service provided to Ghent's citizens, leading to fewer complaints and a more efficient operation. This narrative, from a local Flemish perspective, showcases a city administration navigating labor relations to improve public services, framing the outcome as a necessary adjustment that ultimately benefits the community.

We see that the staff is present more. That is, of course, a very good sign.

· Sofie BrackeNoting the positive trend in employee attendance since the new system's implementation.
About this summary

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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