Belgium ratifies the Minimum Wage Fixing Convention and the Work in Fishing Convention

© Alioune Ndiaye /ILO

GENEVA (ILO NEWS) – On 11 June 2025, the Government of Belgium deposited with the Director-General of the ILO the instruments of ratification of the  Minimum Wage Fixing Convention, 1970 (No. 131) and  the Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 (No. 188).  

In depositing the instruments of ratification, the Honourable Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Employment, Economy and Agriculture, Mr. David Clarinval, stated that: “Belgium has always strongly supported the work of the International Labour Organisation. In a changing world of work with global challenges, this support is needed more than ever. The normative role of the ILO is crucial to make a stronger link between economic growth and social progress. With the ratification of these two ILO-conventions, Belgium underscores its continued support for the Organization’s mission and values.”

In receiving the instruments of ratification, Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the ILO, welcomed these important ratifications, declaring that: “The Minimum Wage Fixing Convention (No. 131), conceived as an effective anti-poverty tool, requests Member States to establish a system of minimum wages which covers all groups of wage earners, at levels that consider the needs of workers and their families, as well as economic factors such as state of economic development and productivity. It calls on Member States to fully consult with social partners on the establishment and application of the minimum wage fixing machinery and, where appropriate, allow them to participate directly in the application of this machinery. Belgium is already bound by the Minimum Wage-Fixing Machinery Convention, 1928 (No. 26) and the Minimum Wage Fixing Machinery (Agriculture) Convention, 1951 (No. 99). By ratifying Convention No. 131, Belgium is taking a further step forward in its commitment to the objective of ensuring that all workers, as a matter of right, receive protection against unacceptable low wages.

As regards Convention No. 188, it revises in an integrated manner several outdated ILO fishing standards, by which Belgium was previously bound. The Convention provides a modern and flexible regulatory framework that covers both large fishing operations and small-scale fishery. Moreover, it seeks to ensure that fishers enjoy decent conditions of work on fishing vessels, by establishing minimum requirements for work on board, conditions of service, accommodation and food, occupational safety and health protection, medical care and social security.  Belgium becomes the 24th country to ratify this Convention and has already amended its legislation to align it with the more modern standard.”

To date, Belgium has ratified 116 Conventions and 2 Protocols. For further information, see NORMLEX .