I am being discriminated against at work — who do I turn to?
Discrimination because of sex, age, origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation or pregnancy is illegal at every stage — hiring, pay, promotion, dismissal — and the burden of proof shifts: once you show facts that suggest it, the employer must prove otherwise. Unia / Instituut voor de gelijkheid van vrouwen en mannen (0800 12 800) is the equality body for Belgium: free, confidential, it investigates and mediates. Vakbond (ACV, ABVV, ACLVB) (hetacv.be) represents you; Toezicht op de Sociale Wetten (FOD WASO) (02 233 41 11) takes complaints and can inspect. Deadlines for a claim are short (often 2–6 months), so start now.
🗣️ What to say
"Since [date] I have been treated less favourably than colleagues in [pay / shifts / promotion / …] and I believe the reason is my [ground]. Examples: [dates, facts, witnesses]. I ask for this to be investigated and stopped. I am also contacting Unia / Instituut voor de gelijkheid van vrouwen en mannen."
🪜 Step by step
- Write it downDates, what was said or done, who was there, how others were treated. Comparisons are the evidence.
- Internal complaintHR or the works council, in writing. Many countries require this step; it also fixes the date.
- Equality body: Unia / Instituut voor de gelijkheid van vrouwen en mannenFree advice, investigation, mediation, sometimes representation. They know which claim fits.
- Union: Vakbond (ACV, ABVV, ACLVB)Representation in negotiations and at the labour court.
- DeadlineClaims for compensation or contesting a decision have deadlines of a few months. Ask Unia / Instituut voor de gelijkheid van vrouwen en mannen for the exact one on day one.
📇 All contacts
❓ Frequently asked
Can they punish me for complaining?
Retaliation is itself illegal and separately compensable. Keep the paper trail — it is what makes retaliation provable.
I am pregnant and they cut my hours
Pregnancy discrimination is sex discrimination and pregnant workers have special protection against dismissal. Contact Unia / Instituut voor de gelijkheid van vrouwen en mannen the same week.
They say I was not hired because of "fit"
Ask in writing for the reason and the successful candidate's qualifications; a refusal to answer counts against them.
📎 Sources
- Unia / Instituut voor de gelijkheid van vrouwen en mannen →
- Vakbond (ACV, ABVV, ACLVB) →
- Toezicht op de Sociale Wetten (FOD WASO) →
- Arbeidsrechtbank →
🔎 Common searches
Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.
- “discrimination at work who to contact Belgium”
- “equality body Belgium complaint”
- “pregnancy discrimination work”
- “unequal pay complaint”
- “age discrimination hiring”
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