The Employment Minister will also refer the matter to the Data Protection Authority regarding possible misuse of files for political propaganda purposes
This weekend, a video by columnist and journalist Carol Zanin sparked numerous reactions on social media. In it, she denounces a genuine "fear propaganda" orchestrated by the CSC and FGTB trade unions.Ms Zanin explains that she received a letter from the CSC informing her that she would stop receiving her unemployment supplements in 2026. After checking with the National Employment Office (ONEM), she learned that this information was false: she will not lose any benefit on 1 January 2026.
False information used to encourage mobilisation
The ONEM confirms it has received several calls from worried citizens following similar messages sent by the trade unions. For the minister, these alarmist communications clearly aim to mobilise their members ahead of the strike days planned for the end of November.
David Clarinval denounces unacceptable manipulation
Employment Minister David Clarinval firmly condemns this manoeuvre: "This is shocking, I have no other words for it. Announcing the end of benefits to scare people, with the sole aim of pushing them to demonstrate, is unacceptable manipulation. Trade unions have a role to play in properly informing and supporting citizens, not in spreading disinformation and creating fear."
The minister therefore invites citizens to check any information directly with official sources: "If in doubt, I recommend that everyone contact one of the 126 staff members of the ONEM Contact Centre to obtain reliable and objective information."
You can contact the ONEM Contact Centre via https://www.onem.be/contact or by phone on 02 515 44 44.
Referral to the Data Protection Authority
This morning, Minister Clarinval also referred the matter to the Data Protection Authority (DPA) so that it can check the conditions under which certain personal data were used for trade union communication purposes.
The aim is to bring full transparency to these practices and to ensure they stop if they are found to breach privacy rights. Any citizen who believes their personal data are being used outside the intended purpose can file a complaint with the DPA to have their right to privacy upheld.