In a gathering that drew over 300 participants in Hollerich, the president of the Independent Luxembourg Trade Union Confederation (OGBL), Nora Back, delivered a resounding message: "If one of us is attacked, they attack us all, and we won't let that happen."
The Thursday evening meeting focused on topics such as wage policy, working hours, and job security, with particular emphasis on the recent strike at Ampacet in Dudelange.
Addressing the audience, Nora Back reinforced the collective identity of workers, stating, "We are the economy." She highlighted the essential role played by workers across diverse professions and socio-economic sectors in generating profits for companies. Back emphasised, "Without us, this added value could not be created. Without us, the companies wouldn't be able to operate either, and that must not be forgotten."
The ongoing strike at the US company Ampacet remained a focal point throughout the evening, serving as a tangible example of the significance of trade union involvement, according to the OGBL. David Angel, trade union secretary, underscored the commitment of workers enduring challenging conditions in Dudelange, stating, "The heart of our commitment, our raison d'être as a trade union, is right now in Dudelange in front of Ampacet in the industrial zone. For four days at zero degrees and below, in the rain, in the snow, and in the frost."
The Ampacet employees received a sustained applause, accompanied by widespread praise and encouragement. The Ampacet workers were hailed as "exemplars of trade unionism," and it was stressed that they are not just standing up for their own collective agreement, "but also for all our collective agreements."
Addressing the determination to secure a victory in the industrial company's strike, Nora Back issued a firm stance, asserting, "All the bosses in the country are already eagerly waiting to see how this story turns out, and they'd be in stitches if it went wrong for us and if we lost the strike there." She highlighted the broader implications, cautioning that the outcome would be closely observed not only by employers but also by organizations such as the Federation of Luxembourg Industrialists (FEDIL), the Luxembourg Employers' Association (UEL), "and their government."
Undeterred, Back emphasised the OGBL's steadfast commitment, declaring, "We will fight for every cent, for every wage indexation, and for every collective agreement, for as long and as hard as it takes." The unequivocal message left no room for doubt: the OGBL President warned employers in Luxembourg against any attempts to compromise workers' rights.
