Indexation forecast 07.2026 – 01.2027 and the “cent index”

Belgium’s minimum wages in the private sector are regulated through sectoral collective labour agreements, which introduce indexations at a fixed moment in the year with a variable percentage or indexations at a fixed percentage at variable moments within the year.

The upcoming indexations are as follows:

• The construction sector (JC 124) hasn’t confirmed their quarterly index for Q3.2026 yet, but 1,0405% is being anticipated. The following forecasts are:  1,02979% in October and 0,76199% in January 2027.
• The metal sector (JC 111.1) hasn’t confirmed its yearly July index either – the predicted raise amounts to 2,92% at the moment.
• The cleaning sector (JC 121) is also meant to raise the salaries, the current forecast being 2,12%
• The food industry (JC 118) applies the index in January and the forecast for 01.2027 is 3,89%.
• The sector of road transport and logistics on behalf of third parties (JC 140.03) is expected to apply a raise of 3,89% in January 2027.
• The electrical sector – JC 149.01 – is forecast to apply a 4,04% index in January 2027.
• The general Joint Committee for white-collar workers nr 200 applies the index yearly in January and the predicted percentage for 01.2027 is 3,96%. The recent sectoral agreement has expanded certain types of leave of absence and modified transport allowance.

Please bear in mind, that these numbers are only forecasts and are subject to change.

The possible reason for the index delays in JC 124 and 111 is the introduction of the so-called “cent index” (centenindex) on June 1. This means that higher wages in Belgium are no longer indexed in full on a percentage basis, but only up to a certain ceiling, so that, in particular those earning more than 4.000 euros gross per month receive limited wage indexation. The practical application of this scheme is not completely developed, which may be keeping the sectoral organisations from announcing the numbers.