We still owe the current structure of social security to the “Decree Act concerning the social security of workers” of December 28, 1944. As the then Minister of Labor and Social Security, Achiel Van Acker played a crucial role in the creation of that social security. During the war years he negotiated a social pact between employers and trade unions. These negotiations ultimately formed the basis for the Decree Act of exactly 80 years ago.
To mark the 80th birthday, the ABVV, Solidaris and Vooruit held a celebration on Saturday morning at the bust of Achiel Van Acker in Bruges. During the speeches, the importance of strong social security was repeatedly emphasized. Miranda Ulens referred to the government negotiations and warned against right-wing prescriptions that erode our social security. According to the general secretary of the socialist union, it is important that more account is taken of single-parent families, singles and people with a precarious status.
A fair distribution of efforts was also discussed by several speakers. “It cannot be the intention that the weaker members of society will once again have to bear the majority of the costs. The distribution of the remediation effort must be fair and inclusive,” said Lieven Meert of Solidaris. The chairman of the socialist health insurance companies also pointed out the importance of affordable, high-quality and accessible health care. “We will not accept that savings will be made on the costs of sick people and the disabled.”
Finally, Pascal Ennaert from Vooruit also emphasized the historical value of the 1944 social pact. “Go outside Europe and tell people what social security offers people. There is a good chance that people will not believe that our health care is both accessible and affordable. as being of top quality,” said the Bruges alderman for finance.