In a statement published on Wednesday afternoon, the Independent Luxembourg Trade Union Confederation (OGBL) stated that it is "astonished and outraged" by the announcement that BIL is reportedly considering selling its shares in Luxair.

Neither the trade union, nor staff representatives at Luxair were informed about this decision, the OGBL criticises. The trade union "strongly condemns" the consideration of a sale "at this stage", seeing as the Covid-19 pandemic has "plunged the civil aviation industry worldwide into a deep crisis".

The OGBL points out that employers, trade unions, and the government were able to agree on a plan for the future of Luxair within the framework of a sectoral tripartite. The 'Luxair Plan' is valid until the end of 2023 and provides for the preservation of all jobs and the renunciation of collective wage increases for a period of three years.

According to the trade union, an early exit by one of the shareholders before the end of this time frame "would simply be inappropriate, irresponsible and disrespectful towards the traditional Luxembourgish company and its approximately 3,000 employees".

Should BIL nevertheless decide to sell its shares (13.14%), the Luxembourgish state must "bear its full responsibility" and take over these shares "without any ifs and buts", the OGBL demands.

The OGBL stresses that there can be "no justification for the government to avoid giving full support to a sector of the economy which - in contrast to the banking sector to which BIL belongs - is actually in crisis".