Expert opinion on combating discrimination and racism in the labor market: development of an independent and academic monitoring tool for application in sectors

In the resolution on combating discrimination and racism in society, which was adopted by the Flemish Parliament on June 10, 2020, the Flemish government is asked to make further efforts with regard to combating racism and discrimination in the labour market, among other things. on self-regulation by the sectors:

“(…) In the context of the voluntary sector covenants, an acceleration is shifted upwards by:
- the development of an independent and academic monitoring system that maps discrimination at an aggregated level and which is also used to raise awareness,
- raising awareness, informing and guiding employers and employees,
- exploring, elaborating and recognizing systems of self-regulation and self-checks.
And through the Supervision and Enforcement Department of the WSE department, prevent and control all forms of legally prohibited discrimination and instruct the public prosecutors to pay due attention to the fight against discrimination and racism.”

For work and the social economy, the decision was taken within the Flemish government (12 June) to further strengthen the path taken to raise awareness and self-regulation by the sectors. Sectors are supported for this under the sector covenants. Principles that are put forward here are:

“1) Voluntary: happens on a voluntary basis of the sectors, including with regard to the voluntary sector covenants in which they can include forms of self-regulation (such as self-checks, practical tests, training…). Examples in this regard can be found in the service check and interim sector.
2) Sensitizing: concerns a sensitizing instrument, not punitive, in which employers and employees are also informed and guided
3) From the Flemish Government, we are committed to self-regulation by the sectors. In the context of the voluntary sector covenants, we are shifting up a gear. The sectors explore, recognize and develop systems of self-regulation and self-monitoring. We are developing an independent and academic monitoring system that maps discrimination at an aggregated level and is also used to raise awareness and, where necessary, to develop actions that actually make a difference in the field."