The sector faces numerous challenges because of the coronavirus pandemic. On the one hand, hotels and other hospitality businesses have fewer customers, and remote working has left many offices below capacity. On the other hand, stricter rules require more frequent cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces.

A number of new cleaning companies popped up in the wake of the pandemic, complicating negotiations for the new work agreement, which began at the end of 2019.

Social partners signed the new agreement for a period of three years on 17 May. Among the improvements, the OGBL and LCGB labour unions list a 0.5% raise due by the next indexation of wages or at the latest by March 2022.

Employees of more than 16 years receive an extra day of annual leave in addition to the legal 26-day minimum. After working 18 years in the sector, this is raised to 28 days in total.

Unions also said the collective work agreement offers better maternity protection for women.

With the new collective work agreement to expire on 30 April 2024, both sides already agreed to start negotiations for the next edition on 1 May 2023.

This story was first published in French on Paperjam. It has been translated and edited for Delano.