Teachers in Belgium report drop in annual gross salary

Teachers within the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles have reported discrepancies in their September pay slips, noting a decrease in their annual gross salary despite a slight increase in net monthly pay due to indexation. Some educators reported annual gross figures dropping by amounts ranging from approximately 100 to 300 euros.

The Ministry of Education has characterized the change as a technical adjustment related to a federal measure that caps indexation at 80 euros gross for salaries exceeding 4,000 euros gross per month. To implement this cap while still providing an indexation increase, the administration adjusted the base annual scale downward.

The situation has drawn criticism from various groups. The CGSP Enseignement union is reviewing the legality of the procedure, while the collective Mars Attacks has called for a work stoppage on September 28. Teachers have expressed concerns that this “accounting workaround” could have long-term negative impacts on their pensions and taxes.