The Independent Luxembourg Trade Union Confederation (OGBL) has had their work cut out for them in the last few months and argues that these politically turbulent times have shown the importance of a strong trade union.
This was one of the key takeaways from the OGBL's National Committee meeting, held prior to the summer recess.
The last tripartite meeting held particular importance as it involved decisions that directly impacted the individuals represented by the OGBL.
Nora Back, the President of the OGBL, highlighted key elements of the Solidarity Package 3.0, including the adjustment of the tax table to account for inflation.
This adjustment was considered a significant breakthrough, as initial discussions had cast doubt on its feasibility. While the ongoing adaptation of the 2.5 wage indexations is important, the OGBL expresses dissatisfaction, stressing the need for the completion of the remaining 5.5 indexations and the establishment of an automatic mechanism to avoid recurring disputes surrounding wage indexation.
The OGBL views the preservation of purchasing power as integral and refers to any delays or manipulations as "index theft."
The reform of the pension system, a demand made by employers, was also discussed during the OGBL National Committee meeting. The President dismisses the notion that Luxembourg will face a pension crisis by 2070, asserting that it is impossible to accurately predict developments over such an extensive timeframe.
Back drew attention to the unpredictability of recent years, marked by the Covid-19 pandemic, European conflicts, energy crises, and trade disputes, to highlight the inherent difficulty in foreseeing long-term situations.
Back further addressed concerns surrounding the construction industry, emphasising that its portrayal as more catastrophic than it actually is does not reflect the full picture.
The construction industry encompasses not only housing construction but also road construction and civil engineering, which continue to thrive and generate profits, she argued. Despite their significant contributions to the industry's prosperity, workers in these areas have faced prolonged neglect regarding collective agreements. The OGBL is currently engaged in "challenging" collective bargaining negotiations in this sector.
Back assured that the trade union is "prepared and mobilised" to reach a resolution. However, it is up to employers to agree to a "reasonable solution."
Full report by RTL Télé (in Luxembourgish):
