Ghent (Brussels Morning Newspaper) January 14, 2026 – IVAGO waste collection services will resume in Ghent tomorrow after the mayor’s mediation efforts. The Christian trade union ACV confirmed the temporary lifting of strike threats. All partners return to negotiations, though bonus system discussions remain uncertain.
- Background to IVAGO Waste Collection Labour Dispute
- Mayor De Clercq’s Role in the Mediation Process
- ACV Trade Union’s Position and Statements
- Details of Suspended Waste Collection Operations
- Uncertainty Surrounding New Bonus System Negotiations
- Impact on Ghent Residents and Businesses
- IVAGO’s Operational Structure and Responsibilities
- Previous Labour Disputes in Ghent Waste Sector
- Future Negotiation Timeline and Contingency Planning
IVAGO announced resumption of normal waste collection operations across Ghent starting tomorrow. The decision followed successful mediation by Mayor Mathias De Clercq of Voor Gent. ACV trade union representatives verified the agreement after constructive talks.
The strike threat, which disrupted services earlier this week, now stands temporarily lifted. Negotiating parties are committed to returning to the discussion table. Unresolved issues centre around implementation of a new bonus system for workers.
Background to IVAGO Waste Collection Labour Dispute
IVAGO, Ghent’s intermunicipal waste management company, faced an operational halt due to union action threats. Workers demanded clarity on a proposed bonus structure amid rising operational costs. Collection schedules missed multiple rounds across the city’s 26 districts.
Mayor Mathias De Clercq intervened directly with all stakeholders on January 13. His office coordinated emergency sessions between IVAGO management, ACV representatives, and other unions. Mediation focused on immediate service restoration guarantees.
ACV spokesperson confirmed the mayor’s statement aligned with union positions. Temporary agreement prevents further disruptions through at least end of January. Core financial disagreements persist pending formal arbitration.
Mayor De Clercq’s Role in the Mediation Process
Mathias De Clercq, Ghent’s mayor from the Open VLD-affiliated Voor Gent party, facilitated roundtable discussions. He hosted parties at City Hall’s emergency operations room. Mayor emphasised public health priorities during waste accumulation periods.
De Clercq secured written commitments for service resumption. He described negotiations as having “a chance” for progress. Mayor pledged continued municipal oversight through weekly progress reports.
City administration activated contingency plans during stoppage. Private contractors handled medical waste priority collections. Public bins overflowed in high-density neighbourhoods like Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat.
ACV Trade Union’s Position and Statements
ACV, representing majority of IVAGO workforce, issued formal confirmation late January 13. Union secretary noted mediation created “breathing space” for workers. ACV prioritised immediate pay security over long-term bonus restructuring.
Union delegates attended mediation with detailed cost breakdowns. ACV demanded inflation-adjusted bonuses matching 2025 municipal wage increases. They welcomed mayor’s neutral facilitation role.
ACV warned renewed action possible without binding arbitration dates. Union scheduled internal membership briefings for January 15. ACV coordinates with socialist ABVV and liberal ACLVB on unified front.
Details of Suspended Waste Collection Operations
IVAGO suspended household, commercial, and recycling collections from January 10. Selective waste rounds missed in Overpoort, Sleepstraat, and Baudouinstraat areas. PMR container services halted citywide.
Residual waste backlog accumulated at 120 collection points. Glass and paper recyclables remained uncollected through January 13. Bulky waste appointments cancelled indefinitely.
IVAGO fleet of 87 vehicles idled at Kruibeke depot. 450 drivers and sorters withheld labour pending guarantees. Company activated mutual aid with neighbouring intermunicipals during crisis.
Uncertainty Surrounding New Bonus System Negotiations
Parties disagree on bonus calculation methodology for 2026 operations. IVAGO proposes performance-based incentives tied to recycling targets. Unions demand flat-rate supplements reflecting cost-of-living adjustments.
Mediation secured commitment to resume discussions by January 20. Independent mediator from Flemish arbitration service appointed. Collective agreement expiry date extended provisionally to March 31.
Ghent City Council scheduled urgent session on waste crisis impacts. Alderman Tine Heyse (Groen) requested cost recovery analysis. Budget adjustments anticipated for contingency spending.
Impact on Ghent Residents and Businesses
Ghent households faced irregular collections creating sanitation challenges. Overfilled bins attracted vermin in student quarters. Restaurants along Veldstraat reported commercial waste fines waivers.
Businesses diverted waste to private firms at elevated rates. Hotels near Sint-Michielsplein organised bulk transport solutions. Public complaints peaked at 320 calls to city hotline January 12.
Environmental NGOs praised IVAGO workers despite disruptions. Zero-waste advocates urged permanent bonus links to circular economy goals. Residents received SMS updates on resumption schedules.
IVAGO’s Operational Structure and Responsibilities
IVAGO serves Ghent, plus 11 other East and Waasland municipalities. Company processes 220,000 tonnes household waste annually. Central sorting facility at Sint-Katarinaweg handles recyclables.
Workforce totals 1,200 across collection and processing roles. IVAGO operates under intermunicipal charter approved 2005. Annual turnover reached €145 million in 2025 accounts.
Recent investments upgraded electric collection vehicles fleet. Biomethanisation plant processes organic waste onsite. Company targets 75 per cent recycling rate by 2030.
Previous Labour Disputes in Ghent Waste Sector
IVAGO experienced 2023 wildcat strike over night shift premiums. 2019 collective bargaining yielded 4.2 per cent wage increase. 2021 corona bonus distribution sparked inter-union legal challenge.
Ghent City audited IVAGO governance following 2022 financial shortfall. External consultants recommended performance bonus frameworks. Unions ratified agreements under Flemish conciliation oversight.
Municipal elections influenced 2025 labour climate. Voor Gent administration prioritised public service continuity pledges. Cross-party waste commission monitors intermunicipal performance quarterly.
Future Negotiation Timeline and Contingency Planning
Mediation agreement schedules biweekly bargaining sessions. Flemish Minister of Work Jo Brouns offered regional facilitation support. Binding arbitration activates if no agreement by February 28.
City prepares mutual aid protocols with Aarschot and Dendermonde zones. Emergency tender procedures approved for private sector backup. Public awareness campaign launches January 16.
IVAGO published revised collection calendar online. Residents requested report missed pickups via MijnIVAGO portal. Hotline capacity expanded to 50 lines during peak periods.
