© Diana Hoffmann
Ampacet employees continue their protest for improved labour conditions outside the American plastics giant's Dudelange premises, with reports of high spirits and substantial public solidarity amid challenging weather conditions.
The Independent Luxembourg Trade Union Confederation (OGBL) on Monday held a briefing to inform the press about the latest developments in the ongoing Ampacet strike. The briefing took place in Dudelange outside of the premises of the American plastics giant.
The strike, triggered by failed talks over a new collective labour agreement, has now been happening for eight days. The OGBL, which has set up tents in front of the Dudelange site, on Monday said that they are yet to receive any message from Ampacet management.
OGBL spokesperson Alain Rolling expressed gratitude for the support received from former Labour Ministers Georges Engel and Dan Kersch, as well as the new holder of said office, Georges Mischo. While thanking the politicians for condemning the behaviour of the American plastics giant, they argue that the Minister should intervene further if the conflict is not resolved and "remind Ampacet that there is a social model in Luxembourg".
The OGBL believes that government officials cannot ignore the situation since Ampacet benefits from public support in economically challenging times, though they welcome this aid.
Read also: OGBL condemns 'unacceptable assaults on the right to strike'
According to Saliha Belesgaa, president of the Ampacet staff delegation, spirits are high among the close to 70 strikers who are demonstrating at the site in shifts around the clock. Belesgaa elaborated that the strike has had a unionising effect on the employees and that they are supported by additional people from the OGBL.
Solidarity from the rest of Luxembourg's population was described as equally high. €16,000 in donations have already accumulated in a strikers' fund. People also reportedly come to the site to supply the strikers with firewood or sandwiches.
During the press briefing on Monday morning, several motorists honked in support while driving by the site.
"It is now up to management to reopen the doors, otherwise we'll do it", Rolling stated, which either represented a subtle threat or a desire to finally resolve the conflict through negotiations.
Despite the snow and the persisting cold on Monday morning, it remains clear for strikers that they will not budge for the time being. Rather, options to expand the strike to other locations are being considered at the moment.
